EU Firmly Rejects Apple’s Call to Scrap Digital Markets Act The European Union has delivered a swift and definitive rejection to Apple’s public plea to repeal and replace the Digital Markets Act. An EU digital affairs spokesperson stated the Commission has absolutely no intention of dismantling the landmark legislation, signaling a firm stance against the tech giant’s criticisms. In response to Apple’s open letter, EU spokesperson Thomas Regnier pointedly noted that Apple has simply contested every little bit of the DMA since it began being enforced. The DMA was passed in 2022 with the goal of curbing the power of large tech companies and creating a more level competitive landscape for smaller rivals. Apple has repeatedly clashed with EU regulators over its compliance with the new law. The company has faced scrutiny and penalties related to its App Store rules, its approach to cross device interoperability, and the browser choices it offers users. Earlier this year, the European Commission fined Apple approximately 570 million dollars for anti competitive practices, a penalty the company is currently appealing. The latest exchange was triggered by a public consultation period the EU opened this summer for feedback on the DMA. Apple submitted an official response and simultaneously published a blog post airing its grievances. In that post, Apple argued that the DMA is leading to a worse experience for its users in the EU. The company urged regulators to examine the law’s impact on citizens, claiming it has increased risks from scams, exposed users to harmful apps, and weakened data security. This ongoing dispute has now spilled over into international trade politics. Former US President Donald Trump recently expressed anger over the hefty fines levied against American tech companies by the EU. Reports have also suggested that the timing of some penalty announcements may have been used as a strategic bargaining chip in broader US EU trade negotiations. Despite this external pressure, the EU’s position appears unwavering, leaving Apple to navigate a regulatory environment that is fundamentally challenging its established business model in Europe.
