Techlore Talks Why F-Droid Still Can't Get on iPhone (FSFE Lawyer Explains)
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Jan 10, 2026 Lucas Lasota, a legal project manager with the Free Software Foundation Europe, dives deep into the implications of the Digital Markets Act. He explains how this regulation aims to dismantle Big Tech's stronghold by promoting interoperability and access for smaller apps. Lucas also critiques how the law overlooks small developers, sharing insights on Apple’s strict app policies. The conversation sheds light on the global impact of these regulatory changes and the ongoing fight for digital freedom and fair competition in the tech landscape.
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DMA Focuses On Platform Infrastructure
- The DMA targets infrastructure-level platform power, not content moderation, to regulate gatekeepers like Apple and Google.
- It applies only to very large ‘gatekeeper’ firms and creates upfront obligations rather than after-the-fact antitrust remedies.
Interoperability Is The Can Opener
- Interoperability acts as a 'can opener' that lets small services connect to dominant platforms and compete.
- Gatekeepers change incentives as they grow and then restrict interoperability to preserve power.
Router Freedom Analogy
- Lucas compares ISP-supplied routers that blocked user-chosen devices to platform gatekeeping that blocks alternative stores.
- He uses the Router Freedom campaign as a parallel to highlight why user choice matters for interoperability.