EU Antitrust Regulators Investigate Microsoft’s Bing and Apple’s iMessage for Compliance with Digital Market Rules
Brussels, Belgium – EU antitrust regulators have recently opened investigations to determine whether Microsoft’s Bing search engine and Apple’s iMessage should adhere to new tech rules outlined in the Digital Markets Act (DMA). This move comes as the European Commission seeks input from users and competitors, aiming to ensure a fair and competitive digital environment.
Under the DMA regulations, tech giants including Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, Google, Meta Platforms, and ByteDance are required to allow third-party apps or app stores on their platforms. Additionally, these companies must make it easier for users to switch from default apps to competing ones. The European Commission is now considering whether Microsoft’s Bing, Edge, and Microsoft Advertising should be categorized as core platform services that fall under these rules.
To gather necessary information for the investigations, the Commission has dispatched questionnaires to assess the significance of Microsoft’s services and iMessage compared to their rival offerings. The questionnaires also request information on the number of users utilizing these platforms. The responses will assist the regulators in determining whether Bing and iMessage should comply with the DMA and be subjected to the same regulations as their competitors.
Time is of the essence, as respondents have been given a brief period to provide feedback. The European Commission aims to complete its investigation within five months, ensuring prompt and efficient decision-making.
The investigations highlight the European Union’s commitment to fostering fair competition within the digital market. By scrutinizing the practices of tech giants, the EU aims to safeguard consumers’ rights and encourage a level playing field. These investigations are part of a broader effort to regulate dominant players in the digital sphere and promote healthy competition in the market.
Both Microsoft and Apple have yet to comment on the investigations, and it remains to be seen how they will address the concerns raised by the EU antitrust regulators. As the five-month investigation period unfolds, industry watchers and users alike eagerly await the outcome, which has the potential to reshape the landscape of the digital market.
About White Houser:
White Houser is a reputable news site dedicated to reporting on the latest developments in politics, technology, business, and more. With a focus on providing concise and comprehensive news articles, White Houser aims to keep readers well-informed and engaged.
