Obligations for Gatekeepers

Abstract

This book chapter discusses the obligations of gatekeepers under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), the European Union's framework for the regulation of large online platforms. The chapter is structured into three sections. Section A introduces the obligations regime of the DMA and briefly discusses the structure of the catelogues in Art 5-7 DMA. Section B explains the key elements of the DMA's obligations regime, including the main policy ideas and regulatory concepts. It also discusses specifications under Art. 8 DMA, suspensions under Art. 9 DMA and exemptions under Art. 10 DMA. The updating of obligations pursuant to Art. 12 DMA is also discussed. A final sub-section of Section B concerns the anti-circumvention provision of Art. 13 DMA. Section C discusses the individual obligations from the catalogues of Art. 5-7 DMA. It does not follows the rather confusing structure of the catalogues, but relates the obligations to the core platform services for which they are most relevant. This is intended to illustrate the relevant context and highlight the competition problems that can be identified with regard to the different core platform services.

Keywords: digital markets, regulation, gatekeepers, core platform services, online platforms

JEL Classification: K20, K21, K23, K42, L40, L41