Apple Slams EU Digital Markets Act, Cites Privacy Risks

Apple has filed a strong objection to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), arguing that the regulation favors rival Big Tech companies while limiting innovation and harming consumers. The submission comes during the EU’s consultation period as regulators review the effectiveness of the DMA. 

Apple, which has already faced more than $2.5 billion in fines under the law, claims the DMA imposes unreasonable requirements, such as forcing Apple to make new features like iPhone Mirroring and AirPods Pro Live Translation available to competitors on launch day. The company argues that this approach undermines engineering feasibility, reduces differentiation between platforms, and compromises consumer choice. 

Key points from Apple’s filing include: 

• Impact on features: Apple says EU restrictions have delayed or blocked certain innovations from reaching European customers. 

• Unequal enforcement: Apple contends it is being uniquely required to give away intellectual property to rivals, unlike other gatekeeper companies such as Alphabet, Meta, and Microsoft. 

• Consumer risks: Apple warns the DMA could weaken privacy protections by granting rivals like Meta and Google access to sensitive user data, including notification content and Wi-Fi history. 

• Market distortion: The company argues that fines targeting Apple Music benefit European competitors like Spotify rather than consumers. 

At the heart of the debate is whether the DMA enhances or diminishes consumer welfare. Apple insists its focus on privacy and security differentiates its products and that the DMA erodes these protections. Critics, however, see Apple’s objections as self-serving, aimed at preserving its market dominance. 

The European Commission will compile submissions and issue a final review report by May 3, 2026, with subsequent reviews every three years. While repeal of the DMA is unlikely, Apple hopes for clearer compliance standards and greater weight given to user security in future enforcement. 

 

Source: 

https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/09/25/eu-digital-markets-act-benefits-only-other-big-tech-companies-and-hurts-customers-says-apple?utm_source=rss