New rules aimed at curbing the power of the most powerful technology companies across the EU have cleared another hurdle, after winning backing from MEPs in the European Parliament.

The European Commission and the European Parliament had reached political agreements on the measures earlier this year.

MEPs today (5 July) voted overwhelmingly in favour of the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

‘Gatekeepers’ targeted

The DSA sets obligations for digital service providers, such as social media or marketplaces, to tackle the spread of illegal content, online disinformation and other societal risks.

The DMA targets ‘gatekeeper’ companies that the commission believes have prevented businesses and consumers from enjoying the benefits of competitive digital markets. It is aimed at preventing unfair business practices, such as platforms ranking their own products or services more favourably.

Both texts now must be formally adopted by the EU Council, after which they will be published in the Official Journal in autumn.

Both acts will enter into force 20 days after their publication in the journal.

‘Predictable rules’

The DSA will apply 15 months after entry into force, or from 1 January 2024 (whichever comes later). For larger tech firms, it will apply four months after they have been designated as such by the commission.

The DMA will start to apply six months following its entry into force. The gatekeepers will have a maximum of six months after they have been designated to comply with the new obligations.

“We are finally building a single digital market, the most important one in the ‘free world',” said Thierry Breton (Commissioner for the Internal Market, pictured).

“The same predictable rules will apply, everywhere in the EU, for our 450 million citizens, bringing everyone a safer and fairer digital space,” he added.