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EU must ‘fully’ apply its market fairness rulebook on Google, search rivals urge

Search rivals including DuckDuckGo urge the EU to enforce its Digital Markets Act (DMA) against Google for alleged non-compliance. The EU’s ongoing investigation mainly covers other DMA aspects, prompting a call to extend scrutiny. With pressures from both sides, EU action could lead to tensions with the U.S., where the Trump administration argues such regulations target American firms unfairly.

Key points

  • The EU is urged to extend its investigation of Google under the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
  • DuckDuckGo and Seznam.cz claim Google is violating DMA rules, particularly regarding competition fairness.
  • The DMA aims to create an equitable digital marketplace by regulating platform giants.
  • Current EU probes into Google do not specifically address the new complaints about the DMA.
  • The Trump administration's push against EU regulations adds pressure, threatening retaliatory tariffs.

Why it matters

  • The DMA reflects broader trends of regulating big tech, prevalent in various regions since 2020.
  • Similar scrutiny is evident in ongoing U.S. antitrust cases against tech companies.
  • The 2025 IT Trends are likely to feature increased legislative frameworks aimed at ensuring fair competition in digital spaces.

The call for stricter EU enforcement of the DMA against Google underscores ongoing global tensions regarding tech regulation, with potential repercussions for transatlantic trade relations if U.S. firms face punitive measures.