Amazon is one of the companies affected by the Digital Markets Act, which prevents tech giants from favoring their products over third-party products on their platforms. And apparently, the e-commerce giant is already in the sights of the European Commission, according to an article published this week by Reuters. Indeed, according to the agency, next year, Amazon could be the subject of an investigation by Brussels, as part of the application of the rules of the Digital Markets Act.
Brussels could announce an investigation in 2025
The European Commission could announce a formal procedure to determine whether Amazon favors Amazon-branded products on its e-commerce site, according to Reuters. In the event of non-compliance with the DMA, the fine can be up to 10% of annual turnover. But for the moment, caution is required, since the European Commission has not yet made an official announcement.
Furthermore, according to Reuters, the agenda and the decision whether or not to formalize this investigation should be taken by Teresa Ribera, the new head of EU antitrust policy, who will replace Margrethe Vestager in this position. As a reminder, Amazon already presented the measures it has taken to comply with the DMA in March. In announcing these measures, Amazon explained that it is based on the commitments made with the European Commission in 2022. In particular, Amazon ensures that the criteria for highlighting products on its platform treat Amazon products and third-party products fairly.
DMA: legislation that imposes big changes in tech
In any case, the application of the Digital Markets Act has already led to significant changes among the tech giants affected by this legislation. Apple, for example, allows iPhone and iPad users in the EU to install competitors from the App Store, and also allows iPhone apps to be downloaded from the web. Google, for its part, must request explicit consent before linking its different services. And Meta Group is developing a WhatsApp feature that will make the messaging service interoperable with other apps.
- According to Reuters, the European Commission could open an investigation into Amazon in 2025, as part of the application of the Digital Markets Act
- Brussels would look into how products offered by third parties are treated on the e-commerce platform, compared to Amazon products
- In March 2024, Amazon has already announced the measures taken to comply with this legislation
