EU unveils ‘revolutionary’ laws to curb big tech firms’ power
www.theguardian.com
Digital Markets Act aims to allow more competition and let consumers delete preloaded phone apps
  • New regulations will target six major tech companies to improve consumer experience and data privacy. These include Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, ByteDance, Meta, and Microsoft.
  • Pre-installed apps like weather and email that are difficult to delete will be disallowed, aiming to promote interoperability and reduce “gatekeeping” activities.
  • Companies will be prohibited from monetizing user data collected from phone apps for advertising purposes.
  • The regulations will encourage competition by allowing alternative payment systems, benefiting startups and consumers.
  • The European Commission aims to empower consumers and ensure tech giants adhere to European rules, providing immediate accountability for any issues.
  • some_guy@lemmy.sdf.orgEnglish
    0·
    1 year ago

    I know that I can uninstall first-party apps on iOS (for years now). I think Android users can, as well. It seems like, other than the monetization bit, this bill simply codifies things that already exist. Am I getting that right?

    If so, they are praising themselves for saying “you have to” about things that already exist. Don’t get me wrong, it’s important to prevent backsliding (I hate that word), but c’mon. And yes, the anti-monetization bit matters, it should be there, I just think this is overblown reporting.

  • Granixo@feddit.clEnglish
    0·
    1 year ago

    Once more, the EU being leader when it comes to users’ rights and keeping the big companies accountable for their shady practices. 👍

    Sometimes i wish i lived there :')

    • ijeff@lemdro.idOPMEnglish
      0·
      1 year ago

      As a Canadian, I appreciate a lot of what the EU does when it comes to consumer protections. Hopefully this one also ends up impacting the rest of us!