Leaked EU DMA bill: Apple may be forced to make complete changes to Siri, App Store, browsers and other services

Recently, a leaked version of an EU proposal has caused huge "waves", and Apple may be forced to make major changes to its App Store and other services such as Messages, FaceTime, and third-party browsers.

Apple's Siri, App Store, browsers and other products may be forced to "rectify"

On April 22, MacRumors reported: A leaked document of the EU proposal - the "final version" of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) as of April 13 shows that the EU plans to make some major changes to Europe's competition regulations , including some previously unreported requirements.

According to the report, some of the provisions in the proposal could force Apple to allow users to download apps from the Internet and third-party app markets on iOS. That said, Apple will have to allow app developers to use whatever in-app payment system they choose and promote products directly to users.

In this "leaked" working paper, it is shown that the latest revisions to the DMA could bring regulations on browser engine interoperability and gateway protection - a bill that would prevent companies from requiring developers to use specific browser engines.

As we all know, Apple has always required all iOS browsers to use its WebKit platform, which obviously violates the terms of the DMA Act document, so it may be forced to rectify.

In addition, the DMA proposal includes provisions that could require companies to ensure messaging, voice calling and video calling apps work with rival services and include provisions such as end-to-end encryption. This could affect Apple's iMessage and FaceTime features (of course, it's unclear exactly what those effects will be).

Amendments to other parts of the DMA proposal are also included, such as requiring companies to provide the option to use third-party voice assistants and parts that prevent companies from favoring their own apps and services in rankings or search results.

According to a related antitrust law blog, the leaked version of the DMA may require the tech giant to "complete rectification" by 2024.

DMA "swords" big tech giants

So, what is the origin of the DMA "Digital Market Law" that makes Apple, Google, Facebook and other technology giants "frightened"?

It turned out that the proposal "Digital Markets Act" "Digital Markets Act" (DMA) is an anti-monopoly bill. Back in December 2020, the European Commission proposed a digital services package that includes the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

By November 25 last year, EU Council members had unanimously agreed on their position on the DMA. Until the end of March this year, EU regulators tentatively approved the proposal.

It is understood that an earlier version of the Digital Markets Act required big tech companies to share metrics with competitors to ensure all apps are uninstallable, rather than favoring their own apps and services, and companies that fail to do so may face huge fines.

Violation of the law up to 20% of global turnover

The enactment of the DMA allows the EU to impose record fines over the past 10 years for "certain harmful business practices by large digital companies", including various restrictions on tech giants, while creating fairer for new entrants and European businesses , a more competitive economic space.

At the same time, the DMA has also defined clear rules for the big tech giants to ensure that tech platforms that act as “gatekeepers” for users are not allowed to abuse their position to the detriment of companies wishing to access such users.

The so-called "gatekeeper" mentioned here must meet the following conditions:

1. An annual turnover within the European Union (EU) of at least EUR 7.5 billion within the past three years, or a market valuation of at least EUR 75 billion.
2. Must have at least 45 million monthly end users and at least 10,000 enterprise users in the EU.
3. Must control one or more core platform services (including marketplaces and app stores, search engines, social networks, cloud services, advertising services, voice assistants and web browsers) in at least 3 member states.

In addition to this, there is a series of "notes" to regulate these technology giants acting as "gatekeepers". If these technology companies violate the rules of the Act, they will face fines of up to 10% of their total global turnover (re-offending or being fined up to 20% of its global turnover).

For “gatekeeper” tech platforms that do not comply with the DMA (at least 3 violations in 8 years), the European Commission will initiate market investigations and, if necessary, implement behavioral or structural remedies.

That's why it's so urgent for a company like Apple to "revamp" the App Store and other services like Messages, FaceTime, third-party browsers, and more.

In response, an Apple spokesperson said in a statement in Fortune: "We remain concerned that some provisions of the DMA will create unnecessary privacy and security gaps for users, while others will prohibit our substantial investment in intellectual property rights. TOLL."

Despite some "grievances" over the bill, it appears Apple is now ready to overhaul its services. What's your take on this? Welcome to leave a message in the comment area to interact.