Digital Markets Act Explained

The Digital Markets Act Explained offers a clear and practical breakdown of one of the most transformative pieces of legislation to reshape the digital economy. The book begins by highlighting the challenges faced by modern businesses and consumers in navigating a digital landscape dominated by a handful of powerful tech giants. These companies control the gateways to online commerce, communication, and innovation-search engines, app stores, social networks, and operating systems-leaving users and smaller businesses at a significant disadvantage. The book introduces the Digital Markets Act (DMA) as the European Union's proactive solution to level the playing field by imposing clear obligations and restrictions on designated "gatekeepers."

At the heart of the DMA is the concept of fairness and contestability. The book details how the legislation targets specific "core platform services" provided by the largest digital companies-such as Google, Apple, Meta, Amazon, Microsoft, and ByteDance-requiring them to abide by new rules that prevent self-preferencing, enforce data portability, and mandate interoperability between messaging services. Through a structured explanation of the DMA's designation process, the book helps readers understand how a company becomes labeled as a gatekeeper and what obligations come with that designation.

With practical chapters on compliance, data practices, digital advertising transparency, and app distribution, the book offers concrete guidance for developers, marketers, entrepreneurs, and business leaders. It also explains the enforcement mechanisms overseen by the European Commission, including the possibility of steep fines and penalties for non-compliance. Beyond the legal and technical framework, the book explores the DMA's broader implications for innovation, start-ups, and consumer rights-highlighting its potential to spur competition and choice across the digital ecosystem.

Finally, the book places the DMA in a global context, describing its expected ripple effects beyond Europe. As other nations begin to adopt similar frameworks, understanding the DMA becomes critical for any organization operating internationally. Whether you're a tech builder, a business strategist, or simply interested in the future of digital regulation, this book provides an accessible and comprehensive guide to a landmark shift in how the digital economy is governed.