The European Commission has announced that Apple’s iMessage and Microsoft’s Edge browser, Bing search engine, and advertising business will not be classified as “core platform services” under the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).
This decision exempts these services from new obligations, including the mandate to provide interoperability with other messaging platforms. In a statement released on Tuesday, the Commission disclosed that it has concluded four market investigations initiated on September 5, 2023, under the DMA.
The investigations found that Apple and Microsoft should not be labeled as gatekeepers for iMessage, Bing, Edge, and Microsoft Advertising. Both companies had presented rebuttal arguments contesting the classification of these services as gateways.
After a comprehensive evaluation of all arguments and input from relevant stakeholders, the Commission, in consultation with the Digital Markets Advisory Committee, determined that iMessage, Bing, Edge, and Microsoft Advertising do not meet the criteria to be designated as gatekeeper services.
The Commission clarified that it will continue to monitor market developments concerning these services and respond to any significant changes accordingly. However, it’s important to note that this decision does not alter Apple and Microsoft’s status as gatekeepers for their other core platform services.
Meanwhile, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has already seen two of its messaging platforms, WhatsApp and Messenger, designated as core platform services under the DMA. Nevertheless, Apple’s Safari browser, iOS operating system, and App Store are still subject to compliance with the regulatory requirements when the DMA comes into full force on March 7.
