Open Web Advocacy has joined forces with industry associations, civil society organizations, and businesses to call on the European Commission to take urgent and decisive action in enforcing the Digital Markets Act (DMA). This landmark regulation was designed to curb the power of dominant gatekeepers and foster a more open, competitive digital landscape. However, without proper enforcement, the DMA risks falling far short of its intended impact.

The open web could be a superior alternative to closed, proprietary mobile operating systems that restrict interoperability and impose unjustified fees on developers and businesses. However, these same gatekeepers have restricted the web's ability to compete fairly in contravention of the DMA.

If the web were able to compete fairly and effectively with native app stores, these gatekeepers would not be able to demand a 30% cut of all third-party software. Gatekeepers obtain this cut not through merit but simply by blocking all alternative means of running third-party software, such as Web Apps.

Critically, the DMA contains important rules allowing browsers and web apps to compete fairly.

The DMA was created to put an end to these unfair practices in the European Union. Once effectively implemented, it will set a global precedent, prompting regulators in other regions to demand similar protections for competition and consumer choice. Enforcement is critical. Without it, these same entrenched gatekeepers will continue to exploit their market power, stifling innovation and harming both developers and consumers.

Now, more than ever, the European Commission must remain firm in its commitment to enforcing the DMA. It is not enough to pass legislation; real change will only happen when the rules are actively upheld and violators are held accountable. The web must be allowed to compete on a level playing field.

We urge the European Commission to act decisively and ensure that the DMA fulfills its promise.

Read our joint letter below:

Digital Markets Act: Europe’s Digital Competitiveness at Stake

Dear President von der Leyen, Executive Vice-President Ribera, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen,

We represent a diverse group of global businesses, developers, civil society organisations, consumer organisations and associations from various sectors including music streaming, gaming, news publishers, online dating, tourism, broadcast media and online marketplaces.

We write to you today with urgent concerns about certain designated gatekeepers’ disregard for the effective implementation of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), and the devastating impact this is having on the EU’s tech sector’s competitiveness and potential for growth.

The DMA was a landmark achievement for the EU, designed to unlock the immense potential of the European digital single market. It promised to break the stranglehold of a few powerful companies, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of innovation where businesses of all sizes could fairly compete. Consumers would benefit from greater choice and more innovation in online markets.

Nine months after the implementation deadline, these promises remain unfulfilled. Some gatekeepers actively circumvent the law, employing sham compliance strategies and even outright defiance, suffocating innovation and preventing growth of companies of all sizes, including SMEs and startups. The Commission rightly decided to open non-compliance investigations into such gatekeepers, but this has not led them to comply with the law. It’s time to adopt non-compliance decisions which deter gatekeepers from disregarding the law.

We urge the European Commission to take immediate and decisive action, by first concluding the ongoing non-compliance investigations and by using all the tools it has available in the DMA. Breaking the law should no longer be a profitable business strategy. The DMA represents a historic opportunity. Swift and vigorous enforcement would strengthen the EU’s position as a global leader in technology, drive economic growth across the continent and unlock the next generation of European tech champions. With free and fair markets, new businesses will flourish, consumers will win and Europe will be home to more innovation.

Competition policy has been a fundamental driver of the success of the EU single market, which has largely benefitted gatekeepers as well. The EU should not compromise on this fundamental cornerstone of its Treaties because of defiance from certain powerful companies. Otherwise, the whole credibility of the DMA, EU competition, and the Commission’s effective enforcement will be at risk.

We trust in your commitment and stand ready to work together towards a fair and competitive digital market where innovation and consumer choice thrive.

Sincerely,

Associations

ACT – Association of Commercial Television and Video on Demand Services in Europe

Association of European Radios

Classified Marketplaces Europe

Coalition for App Fairness

Coalition for Competitive Digital Markets

Digital Music Europe

Digital SME Alliance

EU Travel Tech

European Broadcasting Union

European Games Developer Federation

European Publishers Council

European Startup Network

France Digitale

News Media Europe

Online Dating and Discovery Association

Civil society & non-profit organisations

App Fair Project

ARTICLE 19

Balanced Economy Project

BEUC – The European Consumer Organisation

Electronic Frontier Foundation

Iconomy Foundation

Innovate Europe Foundation

Open Markets Institute

Open Web Advocacy

Siinda

Businesses

Approov

Cryptee

eDreams ODIGEO

GetYourGuide

Proton

Schibsted Marketplaces

Schibsted Media

SkyDemon

Threema

Uptodown

Vivaldi Browser