Adjusting the Scope of the DMA... Reassessment Amid Calls for Trump’s Intervention
Awaiting 'Political Directives' in Cases Involving Google and Facebook
As the second term of the Donald Trump U.S. administration approaches, reports have emerged that the European Union (EU) is conducting a comprehensive review of its investigations into major American technology companies.
The British daily Financial Times (FT) reported on the 14th (local time) that the EU Commission is reviewing all cases conducted under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which was implemented in March last year, and that this could lead to a reduction or change in the scope of investigations.
Since the DMA came into effect, the EU Commission has been investigating Google's and Apple's app store operations, as well as Meta's Facebook use of personal data in advertising. There are also opinions that through the full implementation of the Digital Services Act (DSA), Elon Musk, owner of X (formerly Twitter), should be prevented from influencing matters within Europe.
While some cases are still in the early stages, there are also cases that have progressed significantly. EU officials explained that during the review process, all decisions and fines will be suspended, and only technical work will continue. Other EU officials claim that regulators are waiting for 'political directives' to make final decisions on the Google, Apple, and Meta cases.
American tech companies are protesting to the soon-to-be-inaugurated President Donald Trump, claiming that EU regulations are excessive and urging his intervention. Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, recently mentioned in a podcast interview that EU regulators have imposed fines exceeding $30 billion (approximately 43.9 trillion KRW) on American tech companies over the past 20 years, and requested that President-elect Trump stop such regulations.
In response, a senior EU diplomat said, "It will be a completely new phenomenon where tech moguls close to Trump put pressure on us," adding, "The current situation is very uncertain." Furthermore, it is analyzed that the resignation of Margrethe Vestager, EU Executive Vice President for Competition, and Thierry Breton, Commissioner for Internal Market, in November last year?both of whom took a tough stance on American big tech?also had an impact.
An official stated, "Priorities may be changing," and added, "We must consider that the digital rules originated from the previous Commission." However, another official emphasized that while Trump's inauguration influences the review of the investigations, his election did not trigger the review.
An EU spokesperson rebutted, saying, "We are committed to the effective enforcement of the law, and there are no delays in concluding ongoing legal non-compliance cases, nor are any political considerations involved."
Some Members of the European Parliament have urged the Commission to maintain its existing stance. MEP St?phanie Yon-Courtin emphasized in a letter to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen that "the DMA must not be held hostage," and argued that the Commission should support the effective implementation of the DMA.
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