EU Antitrust Regulators Seek Feedback on Microsoft’s Bing and Apple’s iMessage Compliance with New Tech Rules
EU antitrust regulators are seeking feedback from users and rivals of Microsoft and Apple regarding the compliance of Bing and iMessage with new tough tech rules. The European Commission has initiated investigations into whether Microsoft’s Bing, Edge, and Microsoft Advertising, as well as Apple’s iMessage, should be subject to the Digital Markets Act (DMA). This move comes after the companies contested the EU competition regulator’s classification of these services as core platform services under the DMA.
The DMA mandates that Microsoft, Apple, Google, Amazon, Meta Platforms, and ByteDance allow third-party apps or app stores on their platforms and facilitate easier switching from default apps to competitors. To gather insights, the Commission has sent out questionnaires to rivals and users, asking them to assess the importance of Microsoft’s services and Apple’s iMessage compared to competing services. The questionnaires also inquire about specific features relied upon by business users and how these services integrate into the companies’ ecosystems. Additionally, respondents are asked to provide information on the number of users utilizing these services.
The European Commission aims to complete its investigation within five months. The feedback received will play a crucial role in determining whether Bing and iMessage should be subject to the new tech rules. The Commission’s objective is to ensure fair competition and promote a level playing field in the digital market.
As the investigation progresses, Microsoft and Apple will closely cooperate with the European Commission to address any concerns and provide the necessary information. Both companies remain committed to delivering innovative services while complying with applicable regulations.
In conclusion, the European Commission’s inquiry into the compliance of Microsoft’s Bing and Apple’s iMessage with the Digital Markets Act reflects the ongoing efforts to foster fair competition and consumer choice in the digital landscape. The feedback received will help shape the future regulatory framework for these services, ensuring a more open and competitive environment for users and businesses alike.