In March, the European Union (EU) took a significant step toward reining in big tech offenders with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Targeting the gatekeepers of today’s digital economy, the law is a historic piece of legislation and is a critical next step in the broader fight to level the playing field. However, this watershed moment has failed to reach the U.S., which continues to fall short in protecting consumers and innovative small businesses from predatory tech companies. Congress must stop playing catch up with Europe and take a leadership role to protect its constituents. Courage and cooperation across the aisle are needed to strengthen the laws that protect the majority. Big tech, their lobbyists, and those seeking to fund their next election are far too cozy, as mega-companies continue to exploit their dominance and suppress innovation. The lack of U.S. action is embarrassing, as our friends across the pond take decisive steps.
The EU created the DMA to limit the reach of internet powerhouses and restore balance to the economy. It is aimed at the most frequent offenders — companies such as Amazon, Meta, and Google, which have repeatedly abused their large market share and used it to damage smaller, less powerful competitors.