Apple, Meta, TikTok Sue EU as Africa Watches
The European Union’s new Digital Markets Act just left the runway—and three of Silicon Valley’s biggest names have already filed lawsuits to shoot it down. Meta, Apple, and TikTok-owner ByteDance are challenging their freshly minted “gatekeeper” status in EU courts, arguing that Brussels is overreaching in its bid to tame Big Tech. The courtroom drama will dictate everything from iOS sideloading to Instagram’s ad engine and could ripple as far as Nigeria, where regulators are eyeing similar playbooks. Here’s why the DMA cases matter, how they could redefine platform power worldwide, and what to watch next.
The Digital Markets Act entered force in 2023 to rein in “gatekeepers” controlling core platform services (app stores, social networks, ad tech, mobile OS). Key rules:
| DMA Rule | Apple | Meta | TikTok |
|---|---|---|---|
| – must let developers point users to cheaper payment options. | Fined €500 M for blocking dev links to web checkout. | N/A | N/A |
| – must offer tracking-lite service. | N/A | Fined €200 M for “pay-or-give-us-data” ads. | N/A |
| – messaging must talk to rivals. | Appeals, says it risks privacy. | Fighting “Messenger gatekeeper” tag. | Lost bid to drop gatekeeper label. |
| Milestone | Expected Date | Risk If They Lose |
|---|---|---|
| Preliminary hearing (Apple) | Up to 5% of global turnover if non-compliance continues. | |
| Meta gatekeeper appeal | hearing (today) | Must open Messenger APIs and give ad-tracking opt-out. |
| TikTok final appeal | Could force algorithm transparency & rival ad access. |
DMA enforcers already gave Apple 30 days to comply on anti-steering or face periodic daily penalties.
“Brussels is basically writing the global rule book. Even U.S. regulators are watching how the EU enforces daily penalties,” says , policy lead at Lagos-based think tank Digital Frontier Africa.
—DMA outcomes likely cited in Wednesday’s session on digital-platform dominance.
The EU’s Digital Markets Act is no longer theory—it’s drawing blood. Apple, Meta, and TikTok are betting Luxembourg judges will soften rules that threaten their walled gardens and ad engines. Yet even if Silicon Valley wins a few rounds, Brussels has already exported its playbook worldwide. From Lagos to Pretoria, regulators smell opportunity. For TechBooky readers, that means these courtroom skirmishes aren’t just Europe’s fight—they’re the opening bell in a global match for how (and where) Big Tech plays next.
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Paul Balo is the founder of TechBooky and a highly skilled wireless communications professional with a strong background in cloud computing, offering extensive experience in designing, implementing, and managing wireless communication systems.
