EU investigating Apple, Google and Meta to validate DMA compliance

European Union (EU) on Monday opened a non-compliance investigation on Apple, Google, and Meta to find whether the companies are complying with the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

This investigation is directed at Apple and Google’s rules on steering in the App Store and Play Store respectively. While giving a reality check on Meta’s pay or consent model.

Earlier this month, these three companies made a set of changes in their ecosystem to adhere to the new DMA. Apple specifically opened its iOS operating system to third-party developers. It is said to allow sideloading apps from external sources and enable iPhone users to change the default web browser.

EU alleges that these top tech companies are lacking somewhere to fully comply with DMA rules. Therefore an investigation will target Apple’s new fee structure for alternative app stores and Amazon’s ranking practices on its marketplace.

“The Commission has ordered gatekeepers to retain certain documents to monitor the effective implementation and compliance with their obligations.” wrote the EU in a press release.

The investigation, which opened on March 25, 2024, is expected to conclude within 12 months. The result will turn into an order to respective companies to make mandatory changes if required.

But any case of infringement could lead to up to 10% of fines from the company’s total worldwide turnover. This fine could increase upto 20% in case of repeated infringement.