Apple, Google attack EU's Big Tech regulatory proposals

Following the EU's publication of its full Digital Markets Act proposal, the two companies most clearly affected have both spoken out against the planned legislation.

According to ABC News, Apple believes the DMA plans present a risk to security.

"[Parts of the DMA] will create unnecessary privacy and security vulnerabilities for our users," said an Apple spokesperson. "Others will prohibit us from charging for intellectual property in which we invest a great deal."

Google says it intends to work with the EU regulators on the implementation of the proposals.

"We support many of the DMA's ambitions around consumer choice and interoperability," said a Google spokesperson. "We remain concerned that some of the rules could reduce innovation and the choice available to Europeans."

Amazon is also potentially affected by the proposals and told ABC News that it was presently reviewing what the rules could mean for its customers.

The rules, which apply to "gatekeeper" firms, defined as those that earn more than $8 billion a year, that run major services such as social media platforms. The Digital Markets Act includes requirements that could see the companies having to radically change their businesses.

Specifically, Apple would be required to allow sideloading of apps onto iPhones via alternative App Stores. It would also have to allow alternative payment methods alongside its own in-app purchase system, all of which Apple has objected to on security grounds