EU Antitrust Regulators Grant Exemptions to Apple's iMessage and Microsoft's Bing from New Tech Rules

BRUSSELS - In a recent announcement, EU antitrust regulators revealed that Apple's iMessage and Microsoft's Bing search engine will be exempted from the upcoming Digital Markets Act, set to take effect in three weeks. The decision follows the acceptance of the companies' argument that these services do not function as gateways to reach end-users.

The Digital Markets Act introduces several requirements, including the obligation for major tech players like Microsoft, Apple, Google, Amazon, Meta Platforms, and ByteDance to permit third-party apps or app stores on their platforms. Additionally, the act aims to facilitate users in switching from default apps to alternative providers. Companies are also barred from favoring their own services.

After a comprehensive five-month investigation, the European Commission concluded that iMessage, Bing, Edge, and Microsoft Advertising "did not qualify as gatekeeper services," according to a statement from the EU executive. Notably, Apple's App Store, iOS operating system, and Safari browser, along with Microsoft's Linkedin social network and Windows operating system, will continue to be classified as gatekeepers.

The Commission emphasized conducting a thorough assessment, considering input from relevant stakeholders, without providing specific details of the companies' arguments.

Apple expressed satisfaction with the Commission's decision, stating, "Consumers today have access to a wide variety of messaging apps, and often use many at once, which reflects how easy it is to switch between them," according to a spokesperson.

Microsoft defended its position, asserting that Bing, Edge, and Microsoft Advertising operate as challengers in the market. A spokesperson stated, "We will continue to engage with the Commission and industry at large to ensure Microsoft’s other designated platforms comply fully with the DMA."