EU’s DMA Targets Google Search, WhatsApp Among 22 Services
By alexandreTech
EU’s DMA Targets Google Search, WhatsApp Among 22 Services
The European Union (EU) is set to introduce new rules under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) that will target the dominance of tech giants like Google and WhatsApp. The DMA aims to regulate digital platforms that have significant market power, imposing restrictions on their behavior and ensuring fair competition. This article explores the EU’s decision to include Google Search, WhatsApp, and 20 other online services in the scope of the DMA.
Google Search: Addressing Market Dominance
One of the key targets of the DMA is Google Search, which holds a dominant position in the online search market. The EU aims to address concerns about Google’s control over search results and the impact it has on competition. By subjecting Google Search to the DMA, the EU hopes to ensure fair treatment of competitors and more transparency in search rankings.
The DMA will require Google to provide access to its search data to competing search engines, enabling them to offer their own innovative and specialized search services. Additionally, the EU intends to prevent Google from unfairly promoting its own services through preferential placement in search results, giving equal visibility to rival offerings.
Moreover, the DMA seeks to address concerns about the collection and use of personal data by Google Search. The regulations aim to promote user privacy by requiring clear consent for data collection and usage, as well as giving users more control over their personal information.
WhatsApp: Ensuring Interoperability
Another notable service included in the DMA is WhatsApp, the popular messaging app owned by Facebook. The EU has recognized the significant market power of WhatsApp and wants to ensure interoperability with competing messaging services.
The DMA will require WhatsApp to allow users to easily communicate with users on other messaging platforms, such as Telegram or Signal. This interoperability aims to enhance competition by reducing the barrier to switching between messaging apps, ultimately giving users more choice and control over their preferred communication services.
Moreover, the DMA will address concerns about WhatsApp’s data-sharing practices. The regulations will require clear consent from users for data sharing with Facebook and other third parties, as well as providing options for users to opt out of such data sharing.
The inclusion of Google Search, WhatsApp, and other prominent online services in the scope of the EU’s DMA signifies the EU’s commitment to regulating digital platforms with significant market power. Through these regulations, the EU aims to ensure fair competition, transparency, and user privacy in the digital market.
By targeting Google Search, the EU seeks to address concerns about the company’s market dominance and level the playing field for competitors. Similarly, the focus on WhatsApp aims to promote interoperability and give users greater choice in the messaging app ecosystem.
