The European Commission has concluded in its first formal review of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) that the landmark regulation remains fit for purpose and is already generating tangible benefits for consumers, businesses, and developers across the European Union.
Published after the DMA’s first two years of application, the review finds that the regime has begun to open up digital markets by increasing user choice, improving interoperability, and creating new opportunities for rivals operating within or alongside gatekeeper ecosystems. According to the Commission, consumers now have greater ability to transfer data between services and devices, choose alternative browsers and search engines, and control whether gatekeepers combine personal data across services for profiling purposes.
The Commission also points to early signs that the DMA is fostering competition by requiring gatekeepers to open their platforms to third parties. Alternative app stores have launched on previously closed operating systems, new messaging applications have emerged under interoperability obligations, and manufacturers of connected devices such as smartwatches and earphones are benefiting from improved access to gatekeeper operating systems.
While the Commission considers the DMA broadly successful in its early implementation, the review stresses that continued and rigorous enforcement will be necessary to unlock its full potential. Feedback gathered during the review process indicated broad support for maintaining active enforcement so that businesses and users can fully benefit from the opportunities created by the regulation.
Looking ahead, the Commission identified cloud computing services and artificial intelligence as key areas of future focus. It stated that these sectors will be central to ensuring that digital markets remain fair and contestable as technology evolves. The Commission has already begun work relating to cloud services, AI interoperability, and access to search data.
The review also highlights areas for procedural improvement, including simplifying enforcement processes, increasing transparency, and developing better tools to measure the DMA’s long-term market impact. At the same time, the Commission said it will continue monitoring emerging digital trends and new technological developments to ensure the framework remains effective.
Separately, the Commission published a study on interoperability for social networking services, which found no clear consumer or business demand at present for interoperability between designated social networks. The Commission said it will continue to monitor developments in that area.
The review is based on more than 450 stakeholder submissions from businesses, gatekeepers, academics, and civil society organisations. Under the DMA, the Commission is required to conduct such reviews every three years.
Overall, the Commission concluded that the DMA remains well adapted to the evolving digital environment but noted that untapped potential remains, requiring continued regulatory engagement and robust enforcement.
