Broad regulations known as the Digital Markets Act (DMA) have already forced major companies like Apple, Google and Meta to change the product This is to eliminate concerns that it may be hindering competition. But the full impact could take years to become known.
Margrethe VestagerThe European Commission's chief executive, who oversees competition policy, told reporters at a recent SXSW roundtable in Texas that his next policy priority is simple: “Do, do, do.” That's what he said.
“We need to show the world that we're not only good at negotiating and passing legislation, but we're also good at making it work,” she said.
I caught up with Vestager after the session to delve into some of the challenges European regulators may face in implementing new competition rules.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
What did you think about Apple banning Epic Games from launching a competing app store in Europe? reverse later What was that decision? Did their conversion address potential regulatory concerns?
It happened suddenly. We were surprised but of course glad they reversed their decision.It remains to be seen what level alternative app stores will reach. [would] You can actually have a presence in the Apple environment.
If Apple hadn't changed its policy, would it have considered it a DMA violation?
That would have increased our interest even more.
More broadly, what information have you initially read about compliance across designated gatekeepers?
It's really early days. Depending on the company culture, gatekeepers have different approaches.Some have actually done everything possible to tick all the boxes, spirit and letters [of the law], You can go. And some are trying a little harder to find ways to get around DMA. However, you can learn more about this by reading the compliance report in detail. Compliance violations are not something you want to ignore.
Staff capacity is always a challenge when competing against some of the world's most well-funded companies. Does the EU have the necessary resources to enforce these laws?
Our team is obviously very motivated, but there may be more gatekeepers coming down the road, so we need to continue to build resources for that.
Companies like X (formerly Twitter) and ByteDance recently pointed out what they can do falls within the range DMA's. How do you rate it there?
It's a little premature to talk about it since we only recently received that notification.
Under the DMA, regulators can level large fines or impose structural remedies. When does a violation result in one being compared to the other, and how do you think about the use of these tools?
The point of having a powerful toolbox is not to use the toolbox. It's about compliance. The criterion for success is not to choose the highly intrusive option of imposing large fines or requiring the company to be dissolved. However, based on experience, I believe that compliance cannot be achieved unless there is an option to impose really large fines. We need that deterrence.
Companies are already pushed back We are disputing their “gatekeeper” designation and may well challenge future enforcement actions. Are you at all concerned that the impact of these new rules could be diminished by a lengthy legal battle?
We have shown in antitrust litigation that we are fully capable of defending our decisions, so we have no hesitation about that.
The Biden administration has proposed Conflicting messages on DMA, officials have at times expressed support for the rule while at other times expressing concern about its impact on U.S. businesses. How would you describe the message you heard from them?
actually [U.S. Trade Representative] Katherine Tai was more positive about DMA [at SXSW] More than I've heard before. That's a very positive thing. [Like in the administration] Different services in the European Union have different approaches. I believe that my working relationships with my colleagues in the United States are as good as ever.
Of course, the DMA only covers the EU, but it is possible that the regulation will encourage companies to make changes to their products on a global level, or that other countries may pursue similar rules, spreading the impact beyond Europe. What do you expect?
First of all, we are not, and should not be, a de facto global regulator. We have European jurisdiction. We hope to be able to show that the regulatory approach is working and that what we are getting is indeed true competition. We hope that the implementation of the DMA will make it a reality and encourage consumers in other constituencies to think, “I want to do that too.''
The EU is I'm investigating whether it's TikTok or not. has an “addictive design” that is harmful to children. U.S. regulators are pursuing similar cases against technology platforms. Do you believe this approach is key to addressing concerns about children's online safety?
I think it's absolutely important to make sure these services are non-addictive, non-threatening to mental health, and that the risks are mitigated.
what you talked about I'm researching Could the EU consider a partnership between Microsoft and OpenAI? Potential competition violations Based on EU law. Have you made your decision?
Analysis will be completed soon.
Is the relationship between Google and Anthropic part of that analysis?
Not that far. That may be the case in the future.
Senators host classified conference on TikTok and data threats
Biden administration officials told members of the Senate Commerce and Intelligence committees on Wednesday about threats to Americans' personal data, including concerns over TikTok, according to a Democratic aide who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to do so. He plans to give a confidential explanation regarding the matter. Speak on the record.
The closed session comes just a week after the House overwhelmingly passed a bill that would force the sale or ban of TikTok in the United States. House members who held a secret hearing with administration officials a few days ago acknowledged that White House support helped get the bill through the floor in a broad and bipartisan manner.
This week's information session will be hosted by Sens. maria cantwell (D-Wash.) And Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman and Republican Ranking Member of the Commerce Committee, and Sen. Mark R. Warner (Virginia) and marco rubio A close aide to the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Intelligence Committee (Republican, Florida) spoke. It will include statements from the Department of Justice, the FBI, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
“We want the Senate to consider the facts, listen to voters, and recognize the impact on the economy, the 7 million small businesses, and the 170 million Americans who use our services. We look forward to seeing you,” TikTok said. stated in a statement Last week after the House vote.
The Department of Homeland Security is embracing AI (New York Times)
Supreme Court May Reject White House Social Media Contact Restrictions (Ann E. Marimow and Kat Zakruszewski)
The House TikTok bill gives ByteDance six months to sell. That's unlikely. (Written by Drew Harwell and Eva Do)
Elon Musk releases chatbot code in latest AI war escalation (New York Times)
Group files lawsuit after new Biden deepfake urges voters to skip N.H. primary (by Tobi Raji)
Reddit IPO filing reveals company's hopes and fears (Wired)
Apple in talks to provide iPhone's AI capabilities to Google Gemini (Bloomberg)
Some states are fighting to protect voters from identity theft. they are losing. (POLITICO)
After years of ransomware attacks, healthcare defenses continue to fail (by Joseph Meng)
MrBeast signs deal with Amazon for biggest competition series in TV history (written by Taylor Lorenz)
5 Big Moments from the Elon Musk and Don Lemon Interview by Taylor Telford
- The technology industry group BSA will hold an event, “AI in Government,” at noon Tuesday.
- Axios will host the event “What's Next Summit” on Tuesday at 1:30 p.m.
- The Congressional Data Task Force will hold a public meeting Tuesday at 2 p.m.
- Washington Post Live will host the event “Futurist Summit: A New Era of Technology” Thursday at 9 a.m.
- The Senate Commerce Committee will hold a “Spectrum and National Security” hearing Thursday at 10 a.m.
- House Oversight Committee to hold “White House Overreach on AI” hearing Thursday at 10 a.m.
that'That's all for today — thanks for joining us! Tell others to subscribe of technology 202 here.Please contact Cristiano (email or Social media) and will (email or Social media) Please give us any tips, feedback, or say hello!
