EU Probes Microsoft and Apple: Assessing Compliance with Digital Markets Act
10.10.2023 posted by Admin
European Union regulators are seeking input from both Microsoft users and its competitors regarding whether Bing should adhere to new stringent technology regulations. A similar inquiry is being conducted for Apple's iMessage, according to sources with knowledge of the situation.
In September, the European Commission initiated investigations to evaluate whether Microsoft's Bing, Edge, and Microsoft Advertising, as well as Apple's iMessage, should be subjected to the Digital Markets Act (DMA). These investigations arose after the companies disputed the EU competition regulator's categorization of these services as fundamental platform services under the DMA.
The DMA imposes certain obligations on Microsoft, Apple, Google (Alphabet), Amazon, Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook), and ByteDance. These obligations include permitting third-party apps or app stores on their platforms and simplifying the process for users to switch from default apps to competitors, among other requirements.
Earlier this month, the Commission distributed questionnaires to assess the significance of Microsoft's three services and Apple's iMessage in comparison to competing services. People familiar with the situation revealed that the EU watchdog inquired about any distinct features of these services that are crucial for business users and how they integrate into the companies' overall ecosystems. Additionally, the Commission sought information on the number of users utilizing these services.
Respondents were given a short timeframe of less than a week to provide their feedback. The Commission aims to conclude its investigation within a span of five months.
In September, the European Commission initiated investigations to evaluate whether Microsoft's Bing, Edge, and Microsoft Advertising, as well as Apple's iMessage, should be subjected to the Digital Markets Act (DMA). These investigations arose after the companies disputed the EU competition regulator's categorization of these services as fundamental platform services under the DMA.
The DMA imposes certain obligations on Microsoft, Apple, Google (Alphabet), Amazon, Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook), and ByteDance. These obligations include permitting third-party apps or app stores on their platforms and simplifying the process for users to switch from default apps to competitors, among other requirements.
Earlier this month, the Commission distributed questionnaires to assess the significance of Microsoft's three services and Apple's iMessage in comparison to competing services. People familiar with the situation revealed that the EU watchdog inquired about any distinct features of these services that are crucial for business users and how they integrate into the companies' overall ecosystems. Additionally, the Commission sought information on the number of users utilizing these services.
Respondents were given a short timeframe of less than a week to provide their feedback. The Commission aims to conclude its investigation within a span of five months.