Digital Markets Act
The Digital Markets Act (DMA) is a European Union regulation that aims to ensure fair and contestable digital markets by imposing obligations on large online platforms designated as 'gatekeepers'. It targets companies like Google, Amazon, Apple, Meta, and Microsoft to prevent anti-competitive practices, such as self-preferencing, data misuse, and restricting interoperability. The DMA is part of the EU's broader digital strategy to foster innovation and protect consumers in the digital economy.
Developers should learn about the DMA when building or maintaining digital products in the EU market, as it directly impacts platform design, data handling, and business models for large tech companies. Understanding the DMA is crucial for compliance roles, legal tech, or policy-focused development, especially for apps on iOS, Android, or major online services. It helps in anticipating regulatory changes that affect app store rules, data portability, and fair competition in digital ecosystems.