More choice, control over data, and better value online

Consumers will get more choice, greater control over their data, and better value when using apps and online services (for example, music streaming), and better results when searching and shopping.
 
This is thanks to the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which came into force in 2023. The ‘gatekeepers’ had to fully comply with the rules by 7 March 2024.

Why it’s important

Big Tech companies Alphabet (Google), Amazon, Apple, ByteDance (TikTok), Meta (Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram etc.) and Microsoft have been designated as ‘gatekeepers’. Under the DMA, they will be required – as of 7 March 2024 - to respect consumers’ interests in social networks, messaging, search, shopping, ads and in operating systems.
 
For consumers, this means:

• More control over how their data is used - e.g., the option to block a messaging app from profiling users for personalised advertising when using an online marketplace.

• The ability to sign up to services on the companies’ websites directly (instead of subscribing via an official app store that takes a big proportion of the price of the subscription), which should mean lower prices  

• More choice of apps and potentially better prices by access to third-party app stores (i.e. not the ones already on a phone when bought)

• More choice in search engines and browsers, so consumers can select the ones they prefer

• Potentially better deals when shopping as gatekeepers are not allowed to give preference to their own products/services in search rankings.

What BEUC did

BEUC supported the aims and objectives of the DMA – more choice and control for consumers – from the beginning. During the legislative process, from the Commission’s original proposal in 2020, to when it entered into force three years later, BEUC was actively involved to ensure that consumers’ interests were heard and that it delivers tangible benefits for them when using online services.  

But this will only happen if big tech companies comply with their new obligations and if the European Commission enforces the rules. Now that the legislation is in force, BEUC will be monitoring the situation to ensure that the rules are both respected and enforced.

BEUC also succeeded in ensuring that the DMA rules can be enforced via representative actions in court.