Apple's approach to complying with the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA) has ignited fresh controversy, with Spotify CEO Daniel Ek leading the charge for stricter enforcement. In a recent interview with Bloomberg, Ek accused Apple of using delay tactics to sidestep the DMA’s stringent rules designed to curb anti-competitive practices among major tech firms.
The EU’s Digital Markets Act, which came into effect last year, aims to rein in the dominance of tech giants by imposing strict requirements on how they manage their ecosystems. Apple, listed as a “gatekeeper” under the DMA, must meet obligations around app store practices, interoperability, and data sharing. However, according to Ek, Apple’s compliance has been nothing short of a “farce.”
“It’s time for Europe to show that we are serious about enforcing the law that’s already in place,” Ek stated. His comments reflect growing impatience among European regulators and tech industry leaders who argue that Apple is not meeting its obligations.
The EU has already voiced dissatisfaction with Apple's initial steps toward compliance, with EU competition chief Teresa Ribera pledging to make a formal ruling by the end of March. If Apple is found to be in violation, the company could face fines of up to 10% of its global revenue. For a company valued at over $3 trillion, such penalties could be significant.
The situation is further complicated by shifting geopolitical factors. The U.S. administration has recently signaled opposition to the EU's regulatory stance, adding uncertainty to how aggressively Europe will pursue penalties against Apple. However, Spotify, which has long been a vocal critic of Apple’s App Store policies, appears undeterred. The streaming giant has previously accused Apple of stifling competition by imposing high fees and restrictive rules on third-party apps.
As the deadline for Apple's compliance nears, the standoff between the tech giant, regulatory authorities, and industry rivals like Spotify underscores a broader debate about the balance of power in the digital economy. Whether the EU will follow through on its promise to enforce the DMA against Apple remains to be seen, but the pressure is mounting from all sides.
