DMA – Digital Markets Act

Overview

The Digital Markets Act (DMA) is an EU regulation that establishes ex-ante rules for large digital platforms designated as “gatekeepers”. Its aim is to ensure contestability and fairness in digital markets.

Who Is Affected?

The DMA primarily targets gatekeepers — large platforms that serve as key intermediaries:

• Platforms with annual turnover above EUR 7.5 billion or market valuation above EUR 75 billion
• At least 45 million monthly end users and 10,000 business users in the EU
• Operating a core platform service (search engine, social media, messenger, operating system, cloud, advertising)

All businesses using gatekeeper platforms are indirectly affected.

Core Obligations

1. No self-preferencing: Gatekeepers may not favour their own services in rankings
2. Interoperability: Messenger services must enable interoperability
3. Data portability: Users must be able to transfer their data
4. Alternative app stores: Sideloading and alternative app stores must be permitted
5. Advertising transparency: Access to performance metrics for advertisers
6. No bundling: Users may not be forced to use additional gatekeeper services

National Transposition

The DMA is enforced directly by the European Commission:

• Germany: GWB Digitalisation Act complements the DMA at national level
• Austria: Federal Competition Authority monitors impact
• Switzerland: Not directly affected but discussing comparable national rules