Privacy-focused search engine DuckDuckGo has urged the European Commission to launch three new investigations into Google’s compliance with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). DuckDuckGo argues that the rules, designed to curb Big Tech dominance, have not yet delivered meaningful change in the search market.
The Digital Markets Act, adopted in 2022, requires major tech firms to ensure users can switch services easily and prohibits practices that favour their own products. DuckDuckGo’s senior vice-president, Kamyl Bazbaz, claimed in a blog post that Google’s measures fall short of the law’s requirements, calling for formal probes to drive compliance.
Google is already under two DMA-related investigations concerning its app store rules and alleged discrimination against third-party services. A spokesperson for the company stated that Google is cooperating with the Commission and has made significant adjustments to its services. They emphasised consumer choice and data protection as key priorities while rejecting claims of non-compliance.
DuckDuckGo also accused Google of proposing to share anonymised search data with competitors that excludes the vast majority of search queries, rendering it ineffective. Additional allegations include failing to make switching search engines straightforward. Companies breaching the DMA could face fines up to 10% of their global annual revenue.
EU antitrust regulators are expected to announce their decision on Nvidia’s proposed acquisition of Israeli AI startup Run by 20 December. The European Commission has flagged concerns that the $700 million deal, announced in April, could harm competition in the AI and chip sectors. Nvidia must gain regulatory approval before proceeding.
The watchdog will either approve the deal, with or without conditions, or open a four-month investigation if concerns persist. The scrutiny reflects broader fears about ‘killer acquisitions’, where large firms acquire startups to stifle innovation.
Nvidia‘s processors are crucial for AI applications, including tools like ChatGPT, making this acquisition significant for the tech and AI industries. The decision will have implications for competition in rapidly evolving AI markets.
Catalonia‘s decision to eliminate 10,000 holiday lets in Barcelona over the next five years has sparked a legal challenge from the European Holiday Home Association (EHHA). The industry group filed a complaint with the European Commission, arguing that the ban, introduced in June, violates EU law by breaching the provision of services directive. The EHHA claims the restrictions are disproportionate and politically motivated, particularly given the housing crisis in Barcelona, where locals struggle to find affordable housing.
Catalan authorities have not granted new tourist flat licenses since 2014, but this has not alleviated the city’s housing shortage. The European Commission has expressed concerns that the new measures are excessive and could be harming the local economy. EHHA representatives argue that other factors, such as empty dwellings, are contributing more to the housing crisis than short-term rentals like Airbnb.
Barcelona’s move is part of a broader trend of European cities combating overtourism, following similar actions by places like Venice and Amsterdam. However, the issue is now reaching the EU’s political stage, with the European Commission weighing in on the matter and preparing to tackle short-term rental regulation.
Brussels is planning new rules requiring Chinese firms to transfer technology and build factories in Europe to qualify for EU subsidies. These measures will apply to a €1 billion battery development scheme launching in December, potentially setting a precedent for other clean technology initiatives.
The proposals echo China’s own approach to foreign businesses, which compels them to share intellectual property to access its markets. The European Commission has also implemented tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and stricter rules for hydrogen technology, aimed at reducing reliance on cheaper imports that undercut local manufacturers.
Chinese companies such as CATL and Envision Energy are already investing heavily in European facilities. However, domestic challenges persist, with Sweden’s Northvolt struggling financially as it attempts to scale up battery production. Batteries are critical for electric vehicles, making supply chains essential for Europe’s transition to greener technologies.
Critics warn that these tougher trade policies could disrupt EU climate goals by driving up costs for consumers. While the measures aim to support European industries, experts suggest they risk creating uncertainty and hindering innovation.
Booking.com must comply with strict European Union regulations as of Thursday due to its designation as a ‘gatekeeper’ under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The European Commission has placed significant obligations on the travel reservation platform, ensuring it moderates content effectively, supports fair competition, and makes it simpler for consumers to switch between services. The DMA targets tech giants with major market dominance, holding them accountable through measures that could include fines and operational restrictions.
The company affirmed it is fully compliant, citing extensive efforts to adapt to the rules. In a blog post, Booking.com stated that it has implemented solutions that meet regulatory demands while maintaining a high standard of service for travellers and partners. It also expressed a commitment to ongoing dialogue with EU authorities and stakeholders.
Under the DMA, companies identified as gatekeepers are defined by having over 45 million monthly users and significant market capitalisation. Non-compliance could lead to fines of up to 10% of a company’s global revenue, rising to 20% for repeated violations. Additionally, the Commission has the power to limit acquisition activities if a company fails to adhere to the rules.
Global semiconductor sales surged in Q3 2024, with a 23.2% year-over-year growth and a 10.7% quarter-over-quarter increase, fueled by rising demand from industries like AI, big data, and electric vehicles. Countries around the world, including China, the US, and the EU, are investing heavily in semiconductor development to secure a competitive edge in the global chip market.
The EU is focusing on photonic technology, committing €133 million to establish a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) pilot line in the Netherlands by 2025. This initiative aims to enhance Europe’s position in the growing photonic chip market, driven by the demand for more efficient data transmission for cloud computing and AI applications.
Japan has also made a significant move, announcing a ¥10 trillion ($65 billion) investment by 2030 to support its semiconductor and AI industries. This funding is part of a broader strategy to boost chip production and innovation, with a focus on the collaboration between Rapidus, IBM, and Belgium’s Imec.
South Korea is ramping up its semiconductor support through a proposed Semiconductor Special Act, which includes financial backing and workweek exemptions for semiconductor manufacturers. The bill reflects the country’s commitment to strengthening its semiconductor industry, with plans for a ₩26 trillion funding initiative and an ₩800 billion fund to support the semiconductor ecosystem by 2027.
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has called for an economic partnership agreement with the European Union, emphasising the need for collaboration in semiconductors and shared democratic values. Speaking at a Taiwan-EU investment forum in Taipei, Lai highlighted the importance of secure supply chains and stronger ties to counter growing authoritarian threats.
The EU, under its European Chips Act, has sought to deepen cooperation with Taiwan to boost semiconductor production and reduce reliance on Asia. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.’s (TSMC) new chip plant in Dresden, Germany, underscores Taiwan’s role in strengthening European industry and supply chains.
While Maria Martin-Prat of the European Commission praised Taiwan as a trusted economic partner in her video address to the forum, she did not mention plans for a formal agreement. Taiwan, diplomatically isolated from most global organisations, has been pursuing trade deals with like-minded partners, recently securing an Enhanced Trade Partnership with Britain and seeking membership in the CPTPP.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has been fined nearly €800M by the European Union for anti-competitive practices related to its Marketplace feature. The European Commission accused the tech giant of abusing its dominant position by tying Marketplace to Facebook’s social network, forcing exposure to the service and disadvantaging competitors.
This marks the first time the EU has penalised Meta for breaching competition laws, though the company has faced previous fines for privacy violations. The investigation found that Meta unfairly used data from competitors advertising on Facebook and Instagram to benefit its own Marketplace, giving it an edge that rivals couldn’t match.
Meta rejected the claims, arguing that the decision lacks evidence of harm to competition or consumers. While the company pledged to comply with the EU’s order to cease the conduct, it plans to appeal the ruling. The case highlights ongoing EU scrutiny of Big Tech, with Meta facing additional investigations on issues like privacy, child safety, and election integrity.
Meta Platforms announced it will soon give Instagram and Facebook users in Europe the option to receive less personalised ads. The decision comes in response to pressure from EU regulators and aims to address concerns about data privacy and targeted advertising. Instead of highly tailored ads, users will be shown adverts based on general factors like age, gender, and location, as well as the content they view in a given session.
The move aligns with the European Union‘s push to regulate major tech companies, supported by legislation like the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which was introduced earlier this year to promote fair competition and enhance user privacy. Additionally, Meta will offer a 40% price reduction on ad-free subscriptions for European customers.
The changes follow a recent ruling by Europe’s highest court, which supported privacy activist Max Schrems and ruled that Meta must limit the use of personal data from Facebook for advertising purposes. Meanwhile, the European Union is set to fine Apple under these new antitrust rules, marking a significant step in the enforcement of stricter regulations for Big Tech.
The European Union has issued a directive for Apple to cease geo-blocking content on several of its platforms, including the App Store, Apple Arcade, Music, iTunes Store, Books, and Podcasts. Geo-blocking, the practice of limiting access to content based on a user’s location, is considered discriminatory by the EU, as it creates barriers for consumers depending on where they live or are based. The European Commission has expressed its concerns, warning that if Apple does not address these issues within the next month, national regulators across EU member states could step in with enforcement actions.
European Commissioner Margrethe Vestager underscored the EU’s commitment to ensuring fair access to digital services, stating that no company, regardless of its size, should be allowed to unfairly limit customers’ access to services based on nationality, place of residence, or other factors unrelated to the services provided. Apple now has one month to submit a detailed plan that addresses these concerns and outlines how the company will eliminate geo-blocking practices from its platforms. Failure to meet this deadline could result in penalties or legal consequences as the EU continues to prioritise consumer rights and digital market fairness across Europe.
