DMA Interoperability Survey

The FSFE’s Interoperability Survey aims to collect structured feedback from Free Software developers, also known as “access seekers”, about their experience requesting interoperability under Article 6(7) of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). This article requires designated “gatekeepers” to provide, free of charge, access to the software and hardware features of their Core Platform Services (CPS). The goal is to foster innovation and support alternative solutions developed by the Free Software community.

The Digital Markets Act and Interoperability

The Digital Markets Act (DMA) is a landmark European regulation aimed at curbing the power of large digital platforms. Under the DMA, these companies must allow interoperability with their software and hardware features, promoting competition, innovation, and user choice.

Specifically, Article 6(7) empowers developers to request access to technical functionalities that were previously restricted. This creates new opportunities for Free Software projects, and for users to benefit from greater choice and control.

This provision opens the door for Free Software alternatives to services currently dominated by gatekeepers, such as payment systems, app stores, or messaging platforms. Free Software is contained in 90% of today’s technology and its relevance is therefore crucial in a fair and just implementation of the DMA.

Why Your Input Matters

At the Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE), we are committed to making sure these rights are not just theoretical. We are gathering first-hand experiences from developers who have submitted, or are planning to submit, interoperability requests to gatekeepers such as Apple, Google, Microsoft, and others. For a complete list of all gatekeepers and their designated Core Platform Services visit this page.

Your insights will help us:

• Identify common obstacles for Free Software and patterns of non-compliance.
• Report issues to the European Commission.
• Advocate for enforcement that supports Free Software and small developers.

Whether your request was accepted, denied, delayed, or ignored - we want to hear from you!

Gatekeepers’ compliance is not automatic. Many Free Software developers still face vague procedures, delays, or rejections. Others may not know how or where to start their request. By sharing your experience, you help strengthen the case for clear, fair, and developer-friendly implementation of the DMA. Together, we can ensure that these new rights translate into real-world opportunities for Free Software.