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.
  • mannycalavera@feddit.ukEnglish
    0·
    1 year ago

    I don’t really understand how this is a material change from what AOSP gives you right now? Can anyone explain?

    For example: AOSP has been available to EU start-ups for over a decade for free and open source but none have built alternative payment systems or email or maps or advertising services on top of it in a cohesive way before. What is this law going to allow them to do that they couldn’t before? 🤔

  • 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 :')

  • some_guy@lemmy.sdf.orgEnglish
    01·
    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.