The European Union is preparing to soften parts of its landmark digital rulebook, marking a significant policy shift that could reshape how large technology platforms operate across the region. The move reflects growing concerns that the existing framework has become too heavy, too complex, and too costly for both regulators and companies to manage effectively.
The EU introduced the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and the Digital Services Act (DSA) to rein in tech giants and curb anti-competitive behavior. These rules placed strict obligations on major digital platforms, which the EU classifies as “gatekeepers.” Companies such as Apple, Meta, Google, Amazon, and TikTok have spent the last two years adjusting to new transparency, data-sharing, and content-moderation requirements.
However, EU policymakers now acknowledge that parts of the system may need more flexibility. Officials say the current enforcement structure requires more resources than expected and has unintentionally slowed innovation in some sectors. At the same time, Europe faces mounting pressure to stay competitive in global tech development, where the U.S. and Asia continue to lead.
According to internal discussions, the European Commission is exploring ways to simplify compliance for large platforms without weakening consumer protections. The goal is to refine the rules so they remain effective while reducing unnecessary administrative burdens.
One proposal involves easing some of the interoperability requirements that forced messaging platforms to open their systems to competitors. Regulators found that implementation costs outweighed early benefits and created security concerns that engineers struggled to address. Commission officials now want a more targeted approach that supports user choice without compromising safety.
Another area under review is content-moderation reporting. The DSA currently requires detailed documentation on how platforms remove harmful or illegal content. Regulators admit that the process generates overwhelming volumes of data and drains resources from both sides. A streamlined reporting model is under consideration to maintain accountability while cutting down on excessive paperwork.
The Commission is also studying whether to adjust the criteria used to classify gatekeepers. Some companies argue that the current thresholds are too broad and place firms with very different business models into the same category. Updating the classification rules could create a more accurate system and reduce unnecessary obligations for platforms that pose fewer market risks.
Tech companies have pushed for these changes, saying the existing framework restricts innovation and slows product development. Industry groups argue that lighter, more predictable rules could encourage investment in Europe’s tech ecosystem, which has lagged behind other major regions.
Consumer groups remain cautious. They warn that relaxing the rules too much could weaken protections that were designed to prevent monopolistic behavior and safeguard user rights. They urge policymakers to keep strong enforcement mechanisms and avoid giving dominant platforms too much room to maneuver.
Despite the contrasting opinions, EU officials say the objective is balance, not deregulation. The Commission aims to maintain firm oversight while adapting to practical challenges observed during the first years of enforcement. The revised framework is expected to be presented next year, marking one of the biggest adjustments to European tech governance since the DMA and DSA were introduced.
The EU’s willingness to recalibrate its approach signals a new phase in Europe’s relationship with big tech—one defined by pragmatism, strategic competition, and the need to support digital growth without sacrificing regulatory strength.
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