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The European Commission’s proposal for a Digital Markets Act (Dietrich/Vinje, CRi 2021, 33-38)
This article discusses some issues relevant to the practical application of the DMA. Following a brief introduction, we recall the rationale for the proposed legislation and provide an overview of the scope of application of the DMA. We also take a critical look at the criteria for the gatekeeper designation and the possibility to rebut the presumption if the designation criteria are fulfilled. Finally, we address the legal basis for the proposal.
In search of a ’golden standard’ for appropriate ex ante regulation of large digital players
INHALTSVERZEICHNIS:
I. Introduction
II. Rationale of the DMA
III. Scope of Application of the DMA
1. Scope of Application: Core Platform Services (Art. 2 no. 2 DMA)
2. Scope of Application: Providers of Core Platform Services (Art. 3 DMA)
3. Geographical Scope of Application
IV. Designation Criteria and Rebuttable Presumption
1. Potential Clarifications in Relation to the Quantitative Criteria (Art. 3(2) DMA)
a) Presence in the EU Internal Market
b) Significant Impact on the Market
c) Control of an Important Gateway to Reach Customers
d) Durable, entrenched position on the Market
2. Potential Clarifications in Relation to the Rebuttal of the Presumption (Art. 3(4) DMA)
V. The Legal Basis
VI. Conclusion
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I. Introduction |
1 |
Digital transformation and the emergence of digital business models have brought about significant changes to markets – offline and online. While digital services have paved the way for innovation and important benefits to consumers, key features of digital markets have also enabled companies rapidly to obtain strong market positions across a variety of services and to create proprietary digital ecosystems. Today, a small number of global companies largely controls the flow of data around the globe, which helps them to capture a large share of the value generated in the digital sector via their platforms.1 |
2 |
The debate about how to ensure competition in digital markets and to guarantee “fair” market outcomes is a global one. Jurisdictions around the world are grappling with how to handle digital markets – including the complex issue of whether and how to regulate such markets without stifling innovation and overall consumer welfare.2 |
3 |
On 15 December 2020, the European Commission (“Commission”) published its Digital Services Act3 package and proposed two legislative acts, the Digital Markets Act (“DMA”)4 and the Digital Services Act (“DSA”).5 By unveiling these legislative proposals, the Commission underpinned its claim to be a pioneer in the regulation of digital platforms. The package is a major cornerstone in building Europe’s digital future and strategy and constitutes the first major overhaul of the EU law regime in the digital sphere for two decades. |
4 |
In combination, the proposed legislation heralds a new approach towards an ex-ante regulation of the digital realm in the EU. The legislation will create an interventionist, sector-specific regulatory regime and is likely to require significant changes to the business practices of major digital players. In particular, the DMA raises new challenges and questions for businesses, including as to its scope, purpose, impact and interaction with existing EU and national legislation. Not surprisingly given the ambitious scope and intended regulatory effects of the DMA, the proposal is subject to a fierce debate in political and legal circles. |
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II. Rationale of the DMA |
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The DMA seeks to ensure fair economic outcomes and contestable markets (Art. 1 No. 1 DMA).6 The proposal follows from many debates, working papers, an impact assessment carried out by the Commission and further studies on whether existing (competition) law is fit for the digital age.7 Ultimately, the Commission concluded that it is appropriate to introduce a set of strict ex-ante obligations for so-called gatekeepers in the digital sector. The main reasons given for this ex ante approach are the following: |
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