EU Exempts Apple iMessage and Microsoft's Edge and Bing from Gatekeeper Status

The EU has declared that Apple's iMessage and Microsoft's Edge, Bing, and Microsoft Advertising do not qualify as gatekeepers under the Digital Markets Act, following an in-depth analysis and input from relevant stakeholders. Despite meeting quantitative thresholds, these platforms have been cleared of any accusations, but Apple and Microsoft are still deemed gatekeepers in other categories such as operating systems, browsers, intermediation, and social networks. If designated as gatekeepers, companies could face fines of up to 10% of their total worldwide annual revenue for non-compliance.