EU’s ‘gatekeeper’ status for Google, Apple, Microsoft: Companies that may or may not challenge

The European Commission designated six technology giants – Google’s parent company Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, ByteDance, Meta, and Microsoft – as gatekeepers under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). It gave these companies six months to ensure compliance with the DMA obligations, and Google and Microsoft have said that they will not challenge the EU law.
This will make it easier for users to move between competing services such as social media platforms and internet browsers.The DMA aims to provide users the choice to choose which apps they want to use for specific purposes.
To meet the gatekeeper designation thresholds, any service must meet two criteria:

What Google, Microsoft said
A Google spokesperson said it will not appeal the decision.
Alphabet’s Google has the highest number of services, including Google Maps, Google Play, Google Shopping, Google Ads, Android, Chrome, YouTube and Google Search. Meanwhile, Microsoft’s services include LinkedIn and Windows PC OS.
“We accept our designation as a gatekeeper under the Digital Markets Act and will continue to work with the European Commission to meet the obligations imposed on Windows and LinkedIn under the DMA,” news agency Reuters quoted a Microsoft spokesperson as saying.
Notably, the Commission has opened three market investigations to assess Microsoft’s submissions for Bing, Edge and Microsoft Advertising.
Tech giants that may challenge ‘gatekeeper’ status
Those disagreeing with the ‘gatekeeper’ status will have until November 16 to appeal in the Luxembourg-based General Court, reported.
Reportedly, Zalando and Amazon have already challenged the Digital Services Act (DSA), seen as a companion legislation to the DMA. Amazon previously said it will continue to work constructively with the European Commission.
The publication also reports that TikTok and Meta could likely file challenges, and Apple may also challenge its designation.
Services covered under gatekeeper designation:
Amazon: Amazon Marketplace, Amazon Ads
Apple: App Store, Safari, iOS
ByteDance: TikTok
Meta: Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, WhatsApp, Meta ads, Meta Marketplace