Google implements changes to its European search results in response to the Digital Markets Act (DMA), sparking debate within the travel industry. This analysis explores the ‘blue link’ test, its effects on travel aggregators and direct bookers, and the broader implications for digital market regulation.
An EU court has overturned a €1.49 billion fine imposed on Google for abusing its dominance in online advertising. While this is a victory for Google, the company still faces other antitrust challenges in Europe and the US. The EU is using new regulations to prevent tech giants from abusing their power, and Google is already being investigated under these new rules.
Apple will allow users in the European Union to delete the App Store, along with other core apps, from their iPhones and iPads. This change, driven by the EU’s Digital Markets Act, is part of a broader push for more user control and choice. Other changes include a more informative browser choice screen and automatic replacement of Safari in the Dock if a different browser is selected.
Apple has confirmed that key iPhone upgrades, including the AI-powered Apple Intelligence suite, won’t be available in the EU due to compliance issues with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). This decision stems from concerns over the DMA’s interoperability requirements, which Apple argues could compromise user privacy and data security. While Apple is working with EU authorities to find a solution, the absence of these features in the region raises questions about the future of Apple’s innovation in Europe.
Mirai, a leader in hotel technology solutions, has reported a significant impact on hotel direct sales due to the implementation of the European Digital Markets Act (DMA). The DMA has resulted in a 30% reduction in Google Hotel Ads traffic and up to a 36% decline in direct bookings within affected EU markets. The move has presented challenges for European hoteliers, leading to decreased visibility, reduced capacity for direct sales, and increased reliance on intermediaries.
Following the EU’s decision to designate Apple’s iPadOS as a digital ‘gatekeeper,’ Epic Games has announced that its popular battle royale game, Fortnite, will be making a comeback on iPads later this year. The company’s decision comes in response to the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which compels Apple to allow alternative app stores, such as Epic’s Game Store, to compete on its platform.
Spotify and Apple have been engaged in a contentious battle over Apple’s control of its App Store, particularly regarding restrictions imposed on music streaming services. Spotify has accused Apple of violating the European Commission’s ruling, which found that Apple had unfairly restricted competition. The company has filed a complaint with the European Commission over Apple’s rejection of its updated iOS app, which includes information required by the ruling. The outcome of this battle could have implications for the app store model and the ability of companies to innovate within it.
Spotify has submitted a new update to its App Store app in the European Union that includes pricing information for users, as required by the European Commission’s ruling against Apple’s App Store policies. The update also includes instructions on how to subscribe to Spotify outside the App Store, but does not include a direct link to Spotify’s website. Spotify has also announced that it will not opt into the new business terms offered to developers in the EU in response to the Digital Markets Act, which would allow Spotify to use alternative payment methods and pay lower commissions to Apple.
