Europe’s Digital Services Act applies in full from tomorrow — here’s what you need to know
TechCrunchFEB 1 2024
EU Investigating Google, Apple Under New Digital Markets Act
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The Spin
Narrative A
The DMA seems like a noble pursuit, but it could wind up making things worse because of the market-manipulation loopholes these companies created in preparation for the law. For example, Apple has scrapped its 15-30% revenue fee on competing developers, replacing it with a 50-cent fee for apps with over a million downloads — leaving the competition better off sticking with the original fee.
Narrative B
Big Tech's legal loopholes don't negate the historic nature of the DMA. Europeans now have a clearer understanding of their app options, not to mention the new ability to prevent companies from tracking their data. As for loopholes like Apple's 50-cent rule, the commission will undoubtedly probe this move and strike it down if it's found to be in violation of the law.