Apple, Meta and TikTok are challenging the European Commission’s decision to designate them as ‘gatekeepers’ under its Digital Market Act that came into force this year with stricter rules for tech companies.
In September, the regional regulator established gatekeeper status with respect to 22 services provided by six firms:
- Social networks: TikTok (ByteDance), Instagram, Facebook (Meta), LinkedIn (Microsoft)
- Intermediation: Google Maps, Google Play, Google Shopping (Alphabet), Amazon Marketplace (Amazon), App Store (Apple), Meta Marketplace (Meta)
- Ads: Google (Alphabet), Amazon, Meta
- Browsers: Chrome (Alphabet), Safari (Apple)
- Operating systems: Android (Alphabet), iOS (Apple), Windows (Microsoft)
- Number-independent interpersonal communication services: WhatsApp (Meta), Messenger (Apple)
- Video-sharing: Youtube (Alphabet)
- Search: Google Search (Alphabet)
Meta challenged the gatekeeper designation for its Messenger and Marketplace services, but did not appeal against the designation for Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.