EU spares Microsoft, launches 12-month DMA investigation into Apple, Meta, and Google

The European Commission has recently announced today that it’s investigating Apple, Meta, and Google, following suspicions that they’re not complying with the newly-applied Digital Market Act (DMA). Microsoft, despite being one of the most important gatekeepers, is somewhat exempt from this investigation.

The EU is now looking closely into the app store dispute of Apple and Google. The two tech giants are facing probes into their app store policies, with concerns raised about restrictions that may hinder app developers’ ability to steer consumers to alternative platforms without incurring additional charges. 

Spotify, which has been in a legal battle with Apple over its App Store policies, has previously made Apple pay a whopping €500 million fine after a years-long investigation that alleges the iPhone makers of favoring its own Apple Music streaming service. 

Despite allowing alternative app stores for iOS, Apple’s new fee structure is somewhat problematic and developers argue that the fees are excessive. You can either use Apple’s App Store with existing fees or switch to alternative stores with a lower 17% commission, but popular apps with over $1 million downloads will have an additional €0.50 fee per download outside the App Store.

Google’s search results, Apple’s app uninstallation process, Meta’s data consent model, and Amazon’s marketplace practices are also all under scrutiny. 

As for now, this investigation will last up to 12 months. If the Commission finds these companies aren’t following the rules, they could face fines of up to 10% of their worldwide turnover, or even more if they keep breaking the rules. They might also have to sell parts of their businesses or stop acquiring other companies.