DMA & Free Software: what Free Software organisations need to know
On 24 March the FSFE will conduct an online Q&A session about the Digital Markets Act and its importance for representatives of Free Software organisations. The DMA was designed to limit the power of the "gatekeepers" and boost fairer digital markets. But what does its enforcement mean for Free Software? Join us for this strategic discussion.
Understanding the DMA’s impact on Free Software
The Digital Markets Act (DMA) is the European Union’s regulation to promote fair competition in the digital markets. The law applies to large tech companies exercising “gatekeeper control” in the EU. The DMA imposes on such companies several obligations, like allowing the right to install and uninstall software in devices, prohibition of non-removable pre-installed software, enabling third-party app stores, and access rights via interoperability with software and hardware functions.
This event is specifically designed for members and representatives of Free Software organizations to discuss the opportunities the DMA creates for Free Software, such as enabling alternative app stores, side-loading of applications, and improved interoperability policies.
Additionally, the event will serve as a platform for discussing FSFE’s legal efforts, specifically regarding its litigation against Apple at the Court of Justice of the European Union. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with FSFE experts, ask questions, and explore how their organizations can support and benefit from the DMA’s implementation.
Speakers:
- Lucas Lasota, FSFE Legal Programme Manager
- Jithendra Palepu, Independent Researcher. Volunteer in the FSFE’s legal area
Details:
- When: 24 March 2025, 17:30 (CET)
- Where: FSFE’s online instance
To attend this online event, registration is required. Please fill this form out to register.
Device Neutrality
Although digital devices are ubiquitous today, the number of devices on which users cannot run Free Software is exponentially increasing. The consequence is a growing loss of control over users' technology. Device Neutrality aims to enable end-users to bypass gatekeepers to have a non-discriminatory use of Free Software on their devices.
In 2022, several components, part of the Device Neutrality concept, were included in the Digital Markets Act (DMA), the European Union's largest initiative to regulate gatekeepers in digital markets. Although the law contains the principles for making Device Neutrality a reality, its regulations concern only very large platforms. The DMA establishes obligations for gatekeepers - “dos” and “don'ts” they must comply with - and prescribes fines and penalties for infringements. The DMA encompasses several rules concerning Device Neutrality, including safeguarding the right to uninstall pre-installed software and several measures for preventing lock-in, as well as fostering interoperability and end-user control over personal data.