Big change is here for big tech and it might just improve your life along the way.
First, some context is in order.
This led to the EU bringingthe Digital Markets Act (DMA)to life in 2022.
So why are things heating up now?
On March 6th, in fact.
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What will the future of the digital world look like?
And how will it impact you?
Why is the DMA important?
Businesses like Apple, Google, and Amazon became, in effect, digital barons.
So what does the DMA mean for people engaged in the digital economy as either providers or users?
Simple: more freedom.
The real threat to big tech is the global action the DMA could inspire.
The interesting thing is that although the regulation isnt yet being enforced, a shift is already underway.
Its causing a change in the spirit and behaviour of the six big platforms, he says.
Other companies, though, are in the unique position of sharing users across platforms.
The real threat to big tech is coming from how the Digital Markets Act is inspiring global action.
Here, lawmakers are proposing various bills that would have a similar impact to the EUs regulation.
Unfortunately, Collado believes it is unlikely that there will be any huge changes immediately.
In fact, it might take some time for people to see the impact.
This is where the fight is going to be, Collado says.
This is a deliberate strategy, one that aims to instil uncertainty in the user.
The message is clear: youcanleave our walled garden, but you really shouldnt.
The way to avoid this, Collado explains, is building [user] trust over time.
Third-party providers of software and services will need to provide a safe environment and get that message across.
This isnt something thats likely to happen neither quickly nor soon.
But it will, Collado says, Im convinced it will happen.
Smaller companies will finally have a chance to compete on a level playing field.
The DMA could blow this out of the water.
And if iOS is opened up in the same way?
This gives them a choice.
Well, thats us: the end consumer.
The change, over time, could be seismic.
It all comes back to what we discussed earlier: freedom.
Heres a small example: why shouldnt instant messaging apps work like email?
Why cant we send someone a note on Facebook Messenger and expect them to see it on iMessage?
The only reason we cant is because big companies decided so.
Hoping for a bright future
Its time for the entire ecosystem to change, Collado says.
The Digital Markets Act aims to fix that.
Smaller companies will finally have a chance to compete on a far more level playing field.
The Digital Markets Act is just the start.
We may not know exactly when, but a change is gonna come.
