Microsoft and Google: No Contest for EU’s Gatekeeper Status!

Microsoft and Alphabet’s Google will not challenge an EU law that would require them to make it easier for people to move between competing services such as social media platforms and internet browsers, the companies said.

In September, the European Union singled out 22 “gatekeeper” services run by six of the world’s biggest tech companies to face new rules as part of the latest crackdown on Big Tech.

The Digital Markets Act (DMA) targets the market position of high-tech companies, requiring “gatekeepers” to bundle their messaging apps with their competitors and let users decide which apps to pre-install on their devices.

The DMA applies to the services of Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft and TikTok owner ByteDance.

Those who disagree with the labels and requirements have until November 16 to appeal to the General Court of the Union in Luxembourg, which deals with matters from competition law to trade and the environment.

“We accept our designation as a gatekeeper under the Digital Markets Act and continue to work with the European Commission to meet Windows and LinkedIn’s obligations under the DMA,” a Microsoft spokesperson said.

According to industry sources, other companies such as TikTok are likely to present challenges.

A TikTok spokesperson previously said they “disagree in principle” on naming a gatekeeper. The company did not respond to requests for comment on Tuesday.

Apple will probably also challenge its designation, Bloomberg reported on Friday. The company did not respond to requests for comment.

Google has the most services, including its Android operating system, Maps and Search, that face the DMA’s stricter rules. Meta’s Facebook, Instagram, Marketplace and WhatsApp were also accepted as gatekeepers.

A Google spokesperson said they do not plan to appeal the decision. Meta and Amazon did not respond to requests for comment.