What is Digital Markets Act?
An EU regulation targeting Big Tech 'gatekeepers' — including Apple, Google, Meta, Amazon, and Microsoft — requiring interoperability, prohibiting self-preferencing, and giving users more control over their data, apps, and default services.
Also known as: DMA, EU Digital Markets Act
The Digital Markets Act is the EU's attempt to break Big Tech's stranglehold on digital markets — forcing companies like Apple, Google, and Meta to open up their platforms, stop self-preferencing, and give users real choice.
Who It Targets
The DMA designates "gatekeepers" — platforms with significant market power:
| Company | Designated Services |
|---|---|
| Apple | iOS, App Store, Safari |
| Google/Alphabet | Android, Chrome, Search, Maps, YouTube, Play Store |
| Meta | Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger |
| Amazon | Marketplace, Advertising |
| Microsoft | Windows, LinkedIn |
| ByteDance | TikTok |
Key Requirements
For Users
- Choose your own defaults — browsers, search engines, virtual assistants at device setup
- Sideload apps — install apps from sources other than the official app store (Apple's biggest change)
- Uninstall pre-installed apps — remove bloatware
- Port your data — export your data to competing services
For Platforms
- No self-preferencing — Google can't rank its own services above competitors in search
- Messaging interoperability — WhatsApp, Messenger must work with other messaging apps
- No tracking without consent — can't combine user data across services without explicit permission
- Fair app store terms — must allow alternative payment systems and app stores
Privacy Implications
Positive
- Users gain more control over defaults and data
- Reduced cross-platform tracking (Meta can't combine Instagram + WhatsApp data without consent)
- More competition means more privacy-focused alternatives can thrive
Concerning
- Messaging interoperability could weaken end-to-end encryption if not implemented carefully
- Sideloading opens potential security risks (though also enables privacy-focused app distribution)
Enforcement
- Fines up to 10% of global annual turnover (repeat offenders: 20%)
- For Apple: that could mean $38 billion+
- European Commission has already opened investigations into Apple, Google, and Meta
Related Terms
Big Tech
The dominant technology companies — primarily Google, Apple, Meta, Amazon, and Microsoft — whose products and services collect unprecedented amounts of personal data.
Digital Services Act
An EU regulation that holds online platforms accountable for content moderation, algorithmic transparency, and user safety — requiring platforms to explain how their recommendation algorithms work and giving users the right to opt out of profiling-based content.
GDPR
The General Data Protection Regulation is a comprehensive data protection law in the European Union that gives individuals control over their personal data. It establishes strict requirements for how organizations collect, process, store, and transfer personal information.
Privacy by Default
The principle that systems, services, and technologies should ship with the most privacy-protective settings out of the box — requiring users to opt in to less private options rather than opt out of invasive ones. It means privacy is the starting point, not a hidden toggle.
Sideloading
Installing applications from sources outside the official app store, which can enhance privacy by avoiding store tracking but requires caution about malware.
Have more questions?
Use our guided flow to get the right next privacy step for Digital Markets Act.
Open Guided Flow