In a recent exchange with US lawmakers, European Union officials have firmly denied accusations that their new technology regulations unfairly target American tech giants.
EU antitrust chief Teresa Ribera and EU tech chief Henna Virkkunnen addressed concerns raised by US House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan and Scott Fitzgerald, Chair of the subcommittee on administrative state, regulatory reform, and antitrust. The congressmen sought clarity on the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which they suggested might be aimed specifically at US companies.
Responding in a joint letter dated March 6, Ribera and Virkkunnen emphasized that the DMA is not designed to single out US firms. ‘The DMA does not target U.S. companies.’ they asserted. Instead, it applies to any firm that meets the criteria for being a “gatekeeper” within the European Union, regardless of its national origin.
The EU officials also reassured that the DMA would not stifle innovation within the digital market. They argued that by preventing dominant companies from engaging in unfair practices against smaller competitors, the DMA promotes an open environment conducive to new technological advancements.
The letter noted similarities between the EU’s approach and actions taken by US regulators, who have conducted antitrust investigations and filed lawsuits against major companies like Google, Amazon, Apple, and Meta, addressing similar concerns about market fairness.
Further, Ribera and Virkkunnen countered the notion that EU antitrust fines are essentially a ‘tax’ on American corporations. This rebuttal came in light of US President Donald Trump’s recent memorandum threatening tariffs on countries imposing fines on US companies, which the EU officials argue is merely enforcement of compliance, not punitive taxation.
Ultimately, the EU’s stance is one of maintaining open and fair digital markets globally, emphasizing that their regulations are not an attempt to specifically hinder US companies but to ensure equitable competition.
