Thierry Breton: Under DMA, there is no room for threats by gatekeepers
EU enforcement of the Digital Markets Act against Apple, highlighted by a warning tweet from commissioner Thierry Breton, has reignited debate over how far regulators should go in curbing “gatekeeper” power on mobile platforms. Commenters argue over whether Apple’s treatment of Epic Games illustrates necessary antitrust action or bureaucratic overreach, with many emphasizing that large fines tied to global revenue may be the only way to deter systematic non-compliance. The exchange also explores how the DMA balances interoperability, terms of service, and the broader struggle between corporations, governments and citizens in digital markets.
Framing: EU vs US and “Trade War” Narrative
- Several comments reject framing this as EU vs US or a “trade war.”
- Emphasis that DMA targets a tiny set of dominant “gatekeeper” firms, regardless of nationality.
- Some argue Americans should welcome EU antitrust enforcement because it may indirectly benefit US consumers too.
- A minority see it as bureaucratic overreach and as foreign governments targeting US corporate profits.
Apple, Epic, and Gatekeeper Power
- Many view Apple’s move against Epic as a textbook example of abusive gatekeeping: using platform control to punish a legal challenger.
- Even Apple-friendly users describe Apple’s latest actions as an “own goal” that makes them look petty and emotional.
- Others sympathize with Apple, calling Epic a bad-faith actor, but still think Apple mishandled this under the new regime.
- Strong view from some that the core issue is power balance between consumers, corporations, and governments—not Apple vs Epic personalities.
DMA Enforcement and Fines
- DMA allows fines up to 10% of global revenue per year of non-compliance, potentially around $38B for Apple; up to 20% for repeat offenses.
- Several commenters say only very large, exemplary fines will stop “malicious compliance” and make gatekeepers truly change behavior.
- Others are wary of the idea that the EU can fine based on global, not EU-only, revenue.
ToS, Interoperability, and Legal Mechanics
- A long subthread explores whether DMA can effectively force companies to do business with each other.
- Key points pulled from DMA text:
- Gatekeepers must allow effective, free interoperability with OS and hardware features for third parties.
- They may take “strictly necessary and proportionate” measures to protect system integrity.
- They must offer “fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory” access conditions to app stores and similar services.
- Conclusion in the thread: Terms of service are allowed, but cannot override DMA or be used to block lawful competitors.
Larger Ideological Debate
- Extended side debate on capitalism, antitrust, monopolies, and “enshittification.”
- Some argue robust antitrust is a prerequisite for capitalism to work; others criticize state overreach.
- There’s discussion of corporatism vs capitalism, public vs private power, and the role of empirical evidence vs ideological talking points.