Tiktok
TikTok and Meta have both appealed against their designation as “gatekeepers” under the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). The DMA is a new law that imposes stricter rules on large tech companies, such as requiring them to allow users to uninstall pre-installed apps and make it easier to switch to rival services.
TikTok and Meta argue that they do not meet the criteria for gatekeeper status. They say that they are not as powerful or dominant as other tech companies, such as Google and Apple, and that they do not control the same level of user data.
The European Commission will now review the appeals. The Commission has the power to overturn the gatekeeper designations, but it is more likely to make changes to the criteria for gatekeeper status.
The outcome of the appeals will have a significant impact on TikTok and Meta. If their appeals are successful, they will avoid the additional regulatory burdens that come with gatekeeper status. However, if their appeals are rejected, they will be subject to a number of new rules, which could make it more difficult for them to operate in the EU.
The appeals are likely to take several months to resolve. The European Commission has until December 22 to make a decision.