Germany, France and the Netherlands have called for a tougher approach to big tech companies in the EU's proposed Digital Markets Act (DMA). The three countries provided a joint response to the European Commission's proposal in an open letter, writes the Dutch paper FD.
The law targets so-called gatekeepers, companies that are so large they can hardly be avoided, such as Google, Apple, Amazon and Facebook. The three countries support the DMA but would like to see some amendments: more room for customised remedies and national enforcement.
The three countries previously spoke out together on their feelings about the legislation. The national regulators also have called for a greater role in the plans.
Given the highly dynamic digital markets, national authorities should also be able to launch investigations on their own, as well as propose ‘tailor-made remediation’, according to the three countries. Furthermore, all acquisitions by the gatekeepers, including small deals, should be subject to competition vetting, in order to avoid innovative start-ups being bought out of the market before they can develop.
Investigations would take a maximum 12 months, so businesses are not left with significant legal or commercial uncertainty.
The national regulators should be able to act based on local market conditions, according to the letter from berlin, Paris and The Hague. For example, the Dutch competition and consumer regulator could assist in investigations by the European Commission.
The DMA is still going through consultations. A final agreement is expected in the first half of 2022, when France will hold the rotating presidency of the EU.
