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Press releases
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The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) supports the decisions published today by the European Commission which find that Google has breached the Digital Markets Act (DMA) by engaging in anti-steering and self-preferencing practices.
Press releases
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The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) welcomes today's judgment of the EU Court of Justice, which upholds the 2022 General Court ruling in the Google Android case. This decision confirms the European Commission’s 2018 finding that Google breached EU competition law by abusing its dominant position to strengthen its market power.
Reports
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The European Consumer Organisation – BEUC, takes the view that Meta’s latest changes on its ‘consent-for-ads’ model would still not meet the requirements laid down in EU law, especially EU Regulation 2022/1925 (the Digital Markets Act - DMA), EU Regulation 2016/679 (the General Data Protection Regulation - GDPR) and EU Directive 2005/29 (the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive – the UCPD). Several crucial issues remain unsolved, including the ability of users to provide free, specific, informed and unambiguous consent given Meta’s extensive data collection, and the continued use of non-neutral language and interface design techniques which undermine the free choice of users.
Press releases
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A new analysis by the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) concludes that Meta’s latest model to let consumers pay for an ad-free experience, or obtain their consent to show either personalised or less personalised ads, continues to breach the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), the GDPR and the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (UCPD).
Tools
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This consumer checklist outlines BEUC's recommendations for the Commission, reaffirming that effective competition is the key driver for well-functioning markets that benefit all European consumers.
Letters
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Ahead of the European Council and adoption of the One Europe, One Market Roadmap, EuroCommerce, representing retail and wholesalers, and BEUC – The European Consumer Organisation representing independent consumer organisations across Europe, jointly call on the EU institutions to commit to the elimination of territorial supply constraints and set a clear timetable for legislative action in the forthcoming Action Plan.
Factsheets
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As a consumer, through the Digital Markets Act (DMA), you are entitled to more choice by default, greater control over your data, better value when using apps and online services, and better search and shopping results since March 2024.
The DMA imposes clear rules to prevent unfair practices before they can happen. These rules require tech giants to change business practices that have harmed consumers in the past. In doing so, the DMA gives consumers the right to more choice, fairer prices and encourages innovation.
This factsheet outlines the first concrete changes benefitting consumers across Europe as a result of the Digital Markets Act and takes a look at what improvements we could still expect, once the gatekeepers fully comply with the law.
More information and details about the benefits and enforcement of the Digital Markets Act can be found in BEUC’s report.
The DMA imposes clear rules to prevent unfair practices before they can happen. These rules require tech giants to change business practices that have harmed consumers in the past. In doing so, the DMA gives consumers the right to more choice, fairer prices and encourages innovation.
This factsheet outlines the first concrete changes benefitting consumers across Europe as a result of the Digital Markets Act and takes a look at what improvements we could still expect, once the gatekeepers fully comply with the law.
More information and details about the benefits and enforcement of the Digital Markets Act can be found in BEUC’s report.
Position papers
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English
Competition law aims to protect consumers by ensuring fair market conditions, promoting choice and access, and stimulating lower prices and higher quality. The framework for the enforcement of those rules was adopted more than 20 years ago and was designed for traditional market structures.
The announced review of EU Regulation 1/2003 provides an opportunity to enhance the effectiveness of competition enforcement, while ensuring that consumers’ wellbeing and interests remain at the centre of competition law and policies. In today’s market characterised by rapid technological developments, we consider it important to strengthen the enforcement of competition law and review the tools authorities have at their disposal.
Our new position paper provides a list of our key recommendations for faster and more coherent antitrust enforcement with a stronger focus on consumers in competition policy.
The announced review of EU Regulation 1/2003 provides an opportunity to enhance the effectiveness of competition enforcement, while ensuring that consumers’ wellbeing and interests remain at the centre of competition law and policies. In today’s market characterised by rapid technological developments, we consider it important to strengthen the enforcement of competition law and review the tools authorities have at their disposal.
Our new position paper provides a list of our key recommendations for faster and more coherent antitrust enforcement with a stronger focus on consumers in competition policy.