Why do we need digital markets regulation policy?
The more we are using online platforms such as social media, search engines, websites and e-commerce platforms, the more we need to better regulate the relation between consumers and companies. The first set of policy provisions at an EU level was enforced in the 2000s with the adoption of the e-Commerce Directive. The current legal framework has started to be updated since 2020 with the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
What is DSA and DMA?
“The Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA) have two main goals: to create a safer digital space in which the fundamental rights of all users of digital services are protected and to establish a level playing field to foster innovation, growth, and competitiveness, both in the European Single Market and globally.”
In the beginning of November 2021 Members of the European Parliament discussed the possible applications of EU digital rules to address current issues between consumers and big tech companies.
The DMA is aimed at regulating the behaviour of the so called “gatekeepers” i.e. several big tech companies that make it difficult for others to enter this business sector due to the fact that they have a huge market portion. In a recent debate within the European Parliament, the DMA was called a potential “golden standard” for setting out rules that can be easily adapted internationally. The DMA is also a part of the European Parliament agenda.
References:
European Parliament. 2021. Legislative train schedule | European Parliament. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/legislative-train/theme-a-europe-fit-for-the-digital-age/file-digital-markets-act. [Accessed 25 November 2021].
EU Parliament committee brings consumer interest forward in Digital Markets Act | www.beuc.eu. 2021. EU Parliament committee brings consumer interest forward in Digital Markets Act | www.beuc.eu. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.beuc.eu/publications/eu-parliament-committee-brings-consumer-interest-forward-digital-markets-act/html. [Accessed 25 November 2021].
IATE database search Digital Markets Act. 2021. [Online] Available at https://iate.europa.eu/search/result/1637834021367/1 Digital Markets Act: ending unfair practices of big online platforms | News | European Parliament. 2021. Digital Markets Act: ending unfair practices of big online platforms | News | European Parliament. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20211118IPR17636/digital-markets-act-ending-unfair-practices-of-big-online-platforms. [Accessed 25 November 2021].
She holds degrees in both Public Relations and European Governance. Currently, Daniela is combining her passion for communications and social media with her interest in the work of European institutions.