REGULATORY · COMPETITIVE · EU
Broadcasters Urge DMA Coverage for Smart TVs
Change
European broadcasters asked EU antitrust chief Teresa Ribera to apply the Digital Markets Act to Big Tech smart TVs and virtual assistants using qualitative criteria even if quantitative thresholds are unmet.
Why it matters
The Association of Commercial Television and Video on Demand Services in Europe (ACT) wrote to EU antitrust chief Teresa Ribera requesting that smart TVs and virtual assistants be designated under the Digital Markets Act. The request asks for application based on qualitative criteria even where operators do not meet DMA quantitative thresholds (45 million monthly users; €75 billion market cap). The DMA, applicable since 2023, sets obligations aimed at curbing gatekeeper practices and expanding consumer choice. ACT members cited concerns about operators restricting linking or redirection and retaining end-users within their ecosystems.
Implications
- · Designation under the DMA would make smart-TV and virtual-assistant operators subject to DMA compliance duties and related disclosure obligations.
- · DMA coverage would restrict contractual or technical limits on linking and redirection imposed by platform operators.
- · Operators designated as gatekeepers would face increased compliance costs and governance adjustments to meet DMA obligations.
- · Broadcasters and media app providers would gain a formal basis to challenge platform practices that limit access or interoperability.
Who is affected
- · Manufacturers
- · Operators
- · Regulators
Source
Topics
World & Politics Policy & Regulation Law & Public Safety Regulatory Actions Technology & Innovation Big Tech