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Europe eyeing limits on how big tech can use data and bundle apps reports

European lawmakers are considering new rules for Internet giants that could include forcing them to share data with smaller rivals and/or put narrow limits on how they can use data in a bid to level the digital playing field.

The FT and Reuters both report seeing drafts of the forthcoming Digital Services Act which EU lawmakers are expected to introduce before the end of the year.

Their reports suggest there could be major restrictions on key digital infrastructure such as Apples iOS App Store and the Android Google Play store, as well as potentially limits on how ecommerce behemoth Amazon could use the data of merchants selling on its platform something the Commission is already investigating.

A Commission spokesperson declined to confirm or deny anything in the two reports, saying it does not comment on leaks or comments by others.

Per the Financial Times, the leaked draft states: Gatekeepers shall not use data received from business users for advertising services for any other purpose other than advertising service.

Its report suggests tech giants will be shocked by the scale of regulations coming down the pipe noting 30 paragraphs of prohibitions or obligations with the caveat that the proposal remains at an early stage, meaning big tech lobbyists still have everything to play for.

On bundling, lawmakers are eyeing rules that would mean dominant platforms must let users uninstall any pre-loaded apps as well as looking at barring them from harming rivals by giving preferential treatment to their own services, according to the reports.

The Commissions experience of antitrust complaints against Google seems likely to be a factor informing these elements given a string of EU enforcements against the likes of Google Shopping and Android in recent years have generated headlines but failed to move the competitive needle nor satisfy complainants, even as fresh complaints about Google keep coming.

Per Reuters the draft rules would also subject gatekeeper platforms to annual audits of their advertising metrics and reporting practices.

In June it also suggested its eyeing binding transparency requirements related to online hate speech, saying platforms own reporting is still too patchy.

Original article
Author: Natasha Lomas

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