What is the DMA, the European regulation that will change the uses of our smartphones? – BFM TV

The new European regulations impose new rules on both iOS and Android, particularly in terms of service compatibility. The French are not yet familiar with the DMA (Digital Markets Legislation), but this text, which has just been the subject of he agreement at European level will have concrete consequences on the use of their smartphones. This regulation, which should come into force at the end of 2022 or the beginning of 2023, aims to regulate the digital giants. Starting with Apple, Google, or even Meta, parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. This article is based on the publications of the European institutions and exchanges between BFMTV and the various digital players affected by the new regulations. The full text of the DMA has not yet been published, so some elements may be clarified later. Independent app stores One of the strongest measures of the DMA concerns smartphone operating systems: iOS and Android, Apple like Google will have to authorize independent application stores. A dramatic measure in the eyes of the iPhone manufacturer, which has always refused to offer alternatives to its very lucrative App Store, which allows it to ‘to pocket commissions on customer purchases. Always with a view to promoting competition and the opening of systems, the DMA will impose interoperability between the various instant messaging applications. “The largest messaging services (such as Whatsapp , Facebook Messenger or iMessage) will have to open and be interoperable with the smallest messaging platforms, if they request it. Users of small or large platforms will then be able to exchange messages, send files or make video calls on all messaging applications, which will give them a wider choice” specifies the European Parliament in a press release. of the year 2023, users of iMessage or WhatsApp should therefore be able to communicate directly with users of other more confidential messaging services, such as Signal. The DMA also attacks pre-installed applications. Again, Apple and Google are targeted. For example, it is likely that Android mobiles will no longer be able to integrate applications belonging to Google by default, such as the Chrome browser, or even Google Maps. The challenge is thus to give the user a greater choice in the services used. iOS and Android mobiles. With particularly important consequences at Apple, which very seriously regulates these accesses, for security purposes. The challenge is, for example, access to the NFC chip, used during contactless payments, but also to use your smartphone as a title transport. With this forced opening to third-party applications, iPhone users could thus see competing systems arrive at Apple Pay. In another press release, the European Council specifies that these digital giants will no longer be able to “reuse the personal data collected during of a service for the needs of another service”. is the same email address that is used” specifies Cédric O, Secretary of State for Digital, to BFMTV. Other measures are planned, for example to ensure that unsubscribing from online services is as easy as the procedures subscription. To enforce these new rules, the European Union has provided for dissuasive sanctions: fines of up to 10% of worldwide turnover, or even 20% in the event of a repeat offense .