Both the EU and US have spent the past decade looking at Big Tech and saying, "someone should do something!" In the US, lawmakers are still basically shouting that. But in the EU, regulators did something.

The Digital Markets Act was proposed in 2020, signed into law in 2022, and went into effect this month. It's already having an effect on some of the biggest companies in tech, including Apple, Google, and Microsoft. In theory it's a landmark law that will change the way these companies compete, and how their products operate, for years to come. How did we get here, what does the law actually say, and will it work half as well in practice as it does on paper? Verge reporter Jon Porter comes on Decoder to help me break it down. 

Links: 

• The EU's new competition rules are going live — here's how tech giants are responding | The Verge
• Apple hit with a nearly $2 billion fine following Spotify complaint | The Verge
• Experts fear the Digital Markets Act won’t address tech monopolies | The Verge
• Dirty tricks or small wins: developers are skeptical of Apple's App Store rules | The Verge
• Google Search, WhatsApp, and TikTok on list of 22 services targeted by EU’s tough new DMA | The Verge
• The EU’s Digital Services Act is now in effect: here’s what that means | The Verge
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Credits:

Decoder is a production of The Verge, and part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.

Today’s episode was produced by Kate Cox and Nick Statt and was edited by Callie Wright. Our supervising producer is Liam James.

The Decoder music is by Breakmaster Cylinder.

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