Digital markets act (DMA): messaging, contactless payment… what this will concretely change for users

Messaging will become compatible with each other. Adem AY on Unsplash

The regulation on digital markets came into force this Thursday March 7. A revolution on the scale of the European Union whose objective is to restore freedom to users and allow other players to find a place for themselves alongside digital giants like Google, Apple and Facebook.

Put an end to the abuse of dominant position. This is one of the main objectives of the Digital Markets Act, the regulation on digital markets which entered fully into force in the European Union this Thursday March 7. In Brussels' crosshairs: five American giants – Alphabet (Google), Amazon, Apple, Meta (Facebook, WhatsApp), Microsoft – and a Chinese group, ByteDance (TikTok).

The DMA must restore freedom to users – sometimes more or less forcefully locked into an ecosystem – and allow other players to emerge by imposing around twenty restrictions. obligations and prohibitions to this handful of companies that reign on the internet. Are targeted: “essential platform services”, like “blinds” (application stores), search engines, social networks, online messaging, video sharing platforms, operating systems, marketplaces, virtual assistants and even browsers internet.

The messengers will talk to each other

This regulation is already having major consequences. Among the most telling changes: iOS, the software that allows iPhones to work, will open up and let in alternative app stores and other contactless payment systems; users will be able to delete programs automatically installed on smartphones and computers that they consider unnecessary; they will also be able to choose which application to use by default to browse the internet or carry out a search; instant messaging (Messenger, iMessage, WhatsApp, Signal…) will be able to communicate with each other.

“In the event of an infringement, the European Commission may impose a fine of up to 50% on the access controller. to 10% of its total worldwide turnover and, in the event of a repeat offense, up to 20% of this turnover”, adds the Vie Publique site.