The Digital Markets Act (DMA) is a European Union regulation designed to create a level playing field in the digital market. It focuses on large technology and platform companies which, due to their market position as so-called „gatekeepers“, play a central role in access to digital services and markets.
The DMA is intended to prevent dominant platforms from exploiting their position and thereby restricting competition, innovation or the choice available to users and businesses.
Companies are regarded as gatekeepers if they:
- have a strong economic position in the digital market
- act as a key interface between businesses and end users
- have achieved a sustainable and well-established market position
The Digital Markets Act has several objectives:
- Promoting fair competition in the digital environment
- Prevention of the abuse of dominant positions
- Strengthening innovation and market access for new entrants
- Improving choice for consumers
- Establishment of uniform rules within the European Union
The requirements for gatekeepers include, amongst other things:
- greater transparency in platform services
- Fair access for business customers
- Restrictions on giving preference to in-house offers
- improved interoperability of certain digital services
For start-ups and young technology companies, the DMA could create new opportunities, as it aims to reduce barriers to market entry and make access to digital platforms fairer.
innoWerft supports start-up founders in understanding regulatory developments such as the Digital Markets Act at an early stage, assessing their impact on their own business model, and successfully implementing growth strategies within the European digital market.