Microsoft And Google Don't Dare To Challenge New European Union Law

Microsoft will not challenge EU law (photo: dock. pexels)

JAKARTA - Microsoft and Google will not challenge EU law demanding them to make it easier for users to switch between competing services such as social media platforms and internet browsers.

As part of its latest crackdown on Big Tech, the European Union in September selected 22 "gate" services run by the world's six largest tech companies to comply with new regulations.

The Digital Markets Act (DMA) requires that these gates be interoperable with competing messaging applications and allows users to decide which apps will be installed on their devices.

The DMA will apply to services from Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, and owners of TikTok, ByteDance.

Those who disagree with the label and the terms have until November 16 to file a complaint to the Luxembourg-based General Court, which handles cases ranging from competition laws to trade and the environment.

A Google spokesperson said the company would not appeal against the decision.

Google's parent Alphabet has the highest number of services, including the Android operating system, maps, and searches, which will face tougher rules under DMA.

Google has adopted a strategy in recent years to work rather than fighting with EU regulators, and it's difficult for the company to win as it's a dominant player, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Companies like Zalando and Amazon have challenged the Digital Services Act (DSA), which is considered a DMA companion law, which imposes greater responsibility on tech companies over content shared on their websites.

Amazon, which previously said it would continue to work constructively with the European Commission, declined to comment.

"We accept our appointment as a gateway under the Digital Markets Act and will continue to work with the European Commission to fulfill the obligations posted on Windows and LinkedIn under DMA," a Microsoft spokesman said.

A source stated that other companies such as TikTok and Meta will most likely file lawsuits. Meta's Facebook, Instagram, Marketplace, and WhatsApp qualify as gateways.

Meta and TikTok declined to comment. TikTok previously said that they fundamentally disagreed with the appointment as a gateway.

Apple, as Bloomberg News reported on Friday is likely to challenge its appointment, not responding to a request for comment.