Apple and Meta are in a heated dispute over the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which mandates that tech giants ensure interoperability between messaging services. Each company has accused the other of attempting to block this requirement. Apple claims Meta is trying to breach user privacy, while Meta argues that Apple is preventing the development of interoperability mechanisms for messaging apps. This disagreement has become one of the key tensions surrounding the implementation of the DMA.
The Digital Markets Act and Its Impact
The Digital Markets Act, which came into force in the EU last year, requires Apple to allow third-party developers and competitors to integrate their services with its own. Failure to comply with this requirement could lead to a fine of up to 10% of Apple’s global annual revenue. Meta has submitted 15 requests to Apple regarding the creation of interoperability mechanisms—more than any other company. However, Apple has yet to provide a substantive response.
Apple’s position is that Meta’s requests would compromise user privacy and security. Specifically, Apple argues that granting Meta access to its services could allow the company to read users’ messages, view photos and calendar events, and even record passwords. Apple further points out that Meta has a history of privacy violations, having been fined several times in Europe for data breaches and misuse.
On the other hand, Meta contends that Apple is opposed to interoperability altogether and uses privacy concerns as an excuse to avoid complying with the DMA. Meta’s response suggests that Apple is using privacy as a “shield” to defend its anti-competitive behavior.
European Commission’s Intervention
In response to the ongoing dispute, the European Commission stepped in. In September, the Commission promised to clarify how Apple should meet the interoperability requirements of the DMA. The Commission’s preliminary findings were published the day before, inviting stakeholders to submit their comments by January 9, 2024.
Apple will need to provide clear information on the stages, timeframes, criteria, and considerations it will apply when responding to compatibility requests from developers, adds NIX Solutions. The company is also required to provide regular updates and develop a process for resolving technical disagreements. Additionally, Apple must disclose how its notification system works, ensuring that it does not give its devices, such as the Apple Watch or Apple Vision Pro, preferential treatment. The final version of the document, detailing Apple’s obligations, will be released in March 2025. We’ll keep you updated as more integrations become available.