Story perspectives

EU Considers Regulating AWS and Azure as Gatekeepers

11/18/2025

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Commission Evaluates Cloud Gatekeepers

The European Commission is assessing whether Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure should be designated as gatekeepers under the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
The designation would impose stricter regulations to curb their market power.
The inquiry will evaluate whether these cloud services act as crucial intermediaries between businesses and consumers.
The review, prompted by concerns over dominance and recent outages, aims to be completed within one year.

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Ursula von der Leyen Unveils Digital Act

The European Union will unveil a digital package on November 19 to introduce the Digital Fairness Act.
The Digital Fairness Act is proposed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to address unethical practices on digital platforms.
Industry leaders say existing laws already cover these issues.
Public consultations show consumer harm, with over 4,000 responses.
The European Commission plans to adjust key GDPR provisions and delay AI restrictions.

History

Historical Context

The European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA), enacted on November 1, 2022, aims to regulate major tech firms like Amazon and Microsoft to foster competition and prevent monopolistic practices. Following over 4,000 consumer responses highlighting digital platform harms, the EU identified six "gatekeepers" in September 2023, mandating compliance by March 2024, which could significantly reshape the digital landscape and enhance consumer rights.

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Commission Evaluates Cloud Gatekeepers

The European Commission is assessing whether Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure should be designated as gatekeepers under the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
The designation would impose stricter regulations to curb their market power.
The inquiry will evaluate whether these cloud services act as crucial intermediaries between businesses and consumers.
The review, prompted by concerns over dominance and recent outages, aims to be completed within one year.

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