As of: March 25, 2024, 11:26 a.m
By: Marcel Reich
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At Google, the possible preference for its own offers in the results of internet searches is also being examined.
© Christoph Dernbach/dpa
The EU Commission has opened competition proceedings against Google parent Alphabet, iPhone manufacturer Apple and Facebook parent company Meta.
Apparently new laws were not complied with.
Munich – The European Union (EU) has initiated investigations against Apple, Alphabet subsidiary Google and Facebook parent Meta due to alleged violations of the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
The EU Commission announced on Monday that the three US technology companies had not met the requirements.
Insiders reported on the planned investigations a few days ago.
The EU competition authorities want, among other things, to examine the business practices of Apple and Google in their respective app stores.
According to the DMA, companies must allow third-party software providers to inform their customers about offers outside of the above-mentioned app stores free of charge.
Apple emphasized that the latest adjustments to the guidelines for the App Store are, from the company's perspective, DMA-compliant.
At Google, the possible preference for its own offers in the results of internet searches is also being examined.
In addition, Meta's new subscription model is being examined, in which users have to pay for an ad-free version of the online networks Facebook and Instagram.
Among other things, the DMA obliges large technology companies to open their platforms to competitors.
Violations can result in penalties of up to ten percent of global annual sales.
According to its own statements, the EU wants to complete its investigation within twelve months.