European Parliament Committee Approves Final Digital Markets Act Text With New Rules for Online Platforms

The Internal Market Committee (IMCO) of the European Parliament has voted to approve a final compromise text of the Digital Markets Act, clearing the way for a plenary vote on the Act in December. The updated text includes tougher restrictions on use of individual data (particularly sensitive data) for ad targeting purposes, stronger consent requirements, and a complete ban on large platforms processing minors’ personal data for commercial purposes. In addition, “gatekeeper” requirements mandating access to multiple app stores and interoperability of services will now apply to several large tech companies such as Amazon, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, and Apple. Fines for violations may be up to 20% of total worldwide turnover in the previous year. The Digital Services Act, also under review by the committee, has not yet been voted on and may include additional restrictions or bans relating to tracking-based advertising. EPIC regularly fights against surveillance advertising, including working with coalitions to ban targeted advertising to children.