EU antitrust regulators have announced that Apple’s iMessage and Microsoft’s Bing search engine will be exempted from new EU tech rules. The regulators have accepted the companies’ argument that these services do not serve as gateways to reach end-users.
The new Digital Markets Act will come into effect in just three weeks.
The requirements entail that Microsoft, Apple, Alphabet’s Google, Amazon, Meta Platforms, and ByteDance must allow third-party apps or app stores on their platforms. Additionally, it aims to simplify the process for users to switch from default apps to competitors.
The companies are not allowed to show preference for their services.
In a statement, the European Commission announced the results of a five-month investigation, stating that iMessage, Bing, Edge, and Microsoft Advertising did not meet the criteria to be considered gatekeeper services.
The Commission has classified Apple’s App Store, iOS operating system, and Safari browser as gatekeepers, along with Microsoft’s LinkedIn social network and Windows operating system.
The statement mentioned that it had carefully considered all arguments and taken into account the suggestions made by pertinent stakeholders.
The details of the companies’ arguments were not provided.
Apple expressed its satisfaction with the Commission’s decision.
Consumers today have access to a wide range of messaging apps and often use multiple apps simultaneously, which demonstrates the convenience of switching between them,” a spokesperson stated.
According to Microsoft, Bing, Edge, and Microsoft Advertising are positioned as competitors in the market.
We are committed to maintaining open communication with the Commission and the industry as a whole to guarantee that all of Microsoft’s other designated platforms adhere completely to the DMA,” stated a spokesperson.
