Microsoft and Google Will Not Challenge EU Gatekeeper Designation

Microsoft and Google have both said that they will not challenge their respective designations as Big Tech gatekeepers in the EU.

“We accept our designation as a gatekeeper under the Digital Markets Act and will continue to work with the European Commission to meet the obligations imposed on Windows and LinkedIn under the DMA,” a Microsoft spokesperson said.

In September, the European Commission released its lists of 22 online platforms and six companies that fall under the gatekeeper designation of the DMA, which was enacted to rein in the power of Big Tech. Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, ByteDance, Meta, and Microsoft all made the list, but Microsoft is only represented by Windows and LinkedIn currently; the EC has opened investigations to determine whether Bing, Edge, and Microsoft Advertising should be included as well.

Google, meanwhile, has multiple apps and services on the list, including Android, Chrome, Maps, Play, Search, Shopping, and YouTube. But it, too, will not appeal the EC’s designations.

Other Big Tech firms aren’t so happy. Amazon, for example, has challenged the Digital Services Act (DSA), a related EU law, but has yet to comment on its DMA designations for its online store and Amazon Marketplace. Apple, with iOS, App Store, and Safari, and Meta, with Facebook, Instagram, Marketplace, and WhatsApp, are expected to appeal.

They have until November 16 to do so.