Digital Markets Act
The Digital Markets Act (Regulation (EU) 2022/1925) is the EU's competition regulation for large online platforms. It designates certain platform operators as 'gatekeepers' and imposes ex-ante obligations on them — covering self-preferencing, data combination, interoperability, and business-user terms — with the aim of keeping core platform services contestable and fair.
Free EU Compliance CheckerWhat does DMA require and when does it apply?
DMA applies to Large Online Platforms and Search Engines organisations across all EU member states. The key deadline is May 2023 (enforcement ongoing). Non-compliance carries a maximum penalty of Up to 10% of global turnover; 20% for repeat infringements. Core obligations include allow third-party interoperability and prohibit self-preferencing own services.
- Allow third-party interoperability
- Prohibit self-preferencing own services
- Ensure data portability for users
- Obtain explicit consent for data combination
- Notify acquisitions to Commission
| Deadline | May 2023 (enforcement ongoing) |
| Max fine | Up to 10% of global turnover; 20% for repeat infringements |
| Primary sectors | Large Online Platforms, Search Engines, Social Networks |
DMA: Up to 10% of global turnover; 20% for repeat infringements max fine
DMA applies to Large Online Platforms and Search Engines organisations in all EU member states. Key deadline: May 2023 (enforcement ongoing).
Source: Official Journal of the European Union — Digital Markets Act
Who does DMA apply to?
The DMA applies to undertakings designated as gatekeepers by the Commission for one or more of ten 'core platform services' (CPS). Designation thresholds combine quantitative criteria with a qualitative assessment.
- Ten core platform services: online intermediation, search engines, social networking, video-sharing, communication services, operating systems, web browsers, virtual assistants, cloud computing, online advertising
- Quantitative gatekeeper thresholds: ≥ €7.5bn annual EU turnover (or ≥ €75bn market cap) and ≥ 45m monthly active EU end users and ≥ 10,000 yearly active EU business users
- Three CPS in each of the last three financial years
- Designated gatekeepers (as of 2026): Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, ByteDance, Meta, Microsoft, Booking.com
What are the penalties for DMA non-compliance?
The DMA carries some of the highest penalty caps in EU regulation. Repeat infringements can trigger structural remedies, including divestitures.
| Maximum fine | Up to 10% of global annual turnover (20% for repeat infringements) |
When does DMA apply?
The DMA entered into force on 1 November 2022 and applied from 2 May 2023. The first gatekeeper designations were issued on 6 September 2023, with obligations applying six months later (6 March 2024).
- 2022-11-01 — Entry into force
- 2023-05-02 — Application date
- 2023-09-06 — First gatekeeper designations issued by the European Commission
- 2024-03-06 — Designated gatekeepers must comply with Articles 5, 6, 7 obligations
Maximum administrative fine under the DMA for repeated infringement of obligations under Articles 5, 6 or 7 by a designated gatekeeper.
Regulation (EU) 2022/1925, Article 30(2)
May 2023 (enforcement ongoing)
Up to 10% of global turnover; 20% for repeat infringements
Large Online Platforms, Search Engines, Social Networks
Maximum administrative fine under the DMA for repeated infringement of obligations under Articles 5, 6 or 7 by a designated gatekeeper.
Regulation (EU) 2022/1925, Article 30(2)
| Official name | Regulation (EU) 2022/1925 of the European Parliament and of the Council on contestable and fair markets in the digital sector (Digital Markets Act) |
| Reg. No. | (EU) 2022/1925 |
| CELEX | 32022R1925 |
| Type | regulation |
| In force | 2022-11-01 |
| Applies from | 2023-05-02 |
| Max fine | Up to 10% of global annual turnover (20% for repeat infringements) |
| Authorities | |
| Source | (EU) 2022/1925 — EUR-Lex Official Journal |
How do I comply with DMA?
- Allow third-party interoperability
- Prohibit self-preferencing own services
- Ensure data portability for users
- Obtain explicit consent for data combination
- Notify acquisitions to Commission
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Deadline Timeline
Key milestones, implementation phases, and country-specific deadlines and phased rollout dates.
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Last verified: · Source: EUR-Lex 32022R1925 · Editorial policy