Compliance
DMA

Digital Markets Act (DMA) — Gatekeeper Obligations in the EU

Everything about the DMA — ex-ante obligations for gatekeepers controlling core platform services in the EU.

What is DMA?

The Digital Markets Act (EU) 2022/1925 imposes specific ex-ante obligations and prohibitions on large digital platforms designated as gatekeepers. It targets companies controlling core platform services — search engines, app stores, messaging services, social networks, and operating systems — that serve as important gateways between businesses and consumers. Gatekeepers must allow third-party interoperability, permit sideloading of apps, refrain from self-preferencing, and allow users to uninstall pre-installed apps. Fines reach up to 10% of worldwide annual turnover, rising to 20% for repeated infringements.

Who It Applies To

Companies designated as gatekeepers by the European Commission. As of 2024: Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, ByteDance, Meta, and Microsoft — covering core services including Google Search, Android, Chrome, Play Store, Amazon Marketplace, Apple iOS, Safari, App Store, Meta Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Microsoft LinkedIn, Windows, Edge, Teams, and TikTok.

Key Articles & Obligations

Article 1

Article 2

Article 3

Article 5

Article 6

Article 7

Article 8

Article 12

Article 16

Key Deadlines

Entered into force

1 Nov 2022

DMA became EU law.

Fully applicable

2 May 2023

Gatekeeper obligations and prohibitions became enforceable.

Fines & Enforcement

Up to 10% of worldwide annual turnover, rising to 20% for repeated infringements. Systematic non-compliance can lead to structural remedies including divestiture.

Gatekeeper Designation Criteria

A platform qualifies as a gatekeeper if it meets three cumulative thresholds.

  • Significant impact on the internal market: annual EU turnover of at least €7.5 billion or market capitalisation of at least €75 billion
  • Controls a core platform service serving at least 45 million monthly active end users and 10,000 yearly active business users in the EU
  • Holds an entrenched and durable position — the thresholds have been met in each of the last three financial years

Key Gatekeeper Obligations

Designated gatekeepers must comply with a list of specific obligations and prohibitions.

  • Allow third-party interoperability with number-independent interpersonal communications services
  • Allow business users to promote offers and conclude contracts outside the gatekeeper's platform
  • Allow app sideloading and third-party app stores
  • Refrain from self-preferencing in ranking — treat own services equally with third-party services
  • Allow users to uninstall pre-installed apps and change default settings
  • Provide advertisers and publishers with access to performance measurement tools and aggregated data
  • Do not combine personal data across services without explicit consent
  • Provide effective, proportionate, and dissuasive penalties for non-compliance

How Law4Devs Helps with DMA Compliance

Law4Devs provides the full DMA text as structured JSON. Filter by obligation type, core platform service category, or gatekeeper requirement. Cross-reference with the DSA and GDPR.

Related Regulations

Query DMA via API

GET /v1/frameworks/dma/articles
200 OK · structured JSON · official EUR-Lex source

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Digital Markets Act?

The Digital Markets Act (EU) 2022/1925 is an EU regulation that imposes specific ex-ante obligations and prohibitions on large digital platforms designated as gatekeepers. It targets companies controlling core platform services — such as search engines, app stores, messaging services, social networks, and operating systems — that serve as important gateways between businesses and consumers. The DMA entered into force in November 2022 and became fully applicable in May 2023.

Who does the DMA apply to?

The DMA applies to companies designated as gatekeepers by the European Commission. A platform qualifies if it provides a core platform service, has significant impact on the internal market (annual EU turnover of at least EUR 7.5 billion or market cap of EUR 75 billion), serves at least 45 million monthly end users and 10,000 yearly business users in the EU, and holds an entrenched and durable position. As of 2024, designated gatekeepers include Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, ByteDance, Meta, and Microsoft.

What are the key obligations and fines?

Gatekeepers must allow third-party interoperability with messaging services, permit sideloading of apps, refrain from self-preferencing in rankings, provide advertisers and publishers with access to performance measurement tools, and allow users to uninstall pre-installed apps. They cannot combine personal data across services without consent. Fines reach up to 10% of worldwide annual turnover, rising to 20% for repeated infringements. Systematic non-compliance can lead to structural remedies including divestiture.

How does Law4Devs help with the DMA?

Law4Devs provides the full DMA text as structured JSON via API. Filter by obligation type, core platform service category, or gatekeeper requirement. Access articles covering interoperability mandates, data portability rules, and anti-self-preferencing provisions. Cross-reference with the DSA and other digital regulation frameworks for comprehensive platform compliance analysis.

Access DMA as Structured JSON

All articles, recitals, and amendments — queryable, filterable, and always up to date.