Google and Apple Say DMA Will Hurt Your Privacy: What to Know

If you’ve followed tech news lately, you’ve seen Google and Apple warning that new European regulations could weaken your privacy and security. Their argument is simple: The Digital Markets Act (DMA) would force us to open up our platforms, and that could expose your data and device to more risk.

But is that the full picture? It pays to look at the claims with some skepticism, because what’s good for your privacy might not always align with what’s good for these companies’ control over their ecosystems.

What happened

The Digital Markets Act is a European law that came into force in 2022, with major compliance deadlines starting in 2024. It targets large “gatekeeper” platforms — including Apple’s iOS App Store and Google’s Play Store — and requires them to allow more competition. That means enabling third-party app stores, allowing “side-loading” (installing apps from outside the official store), and giving developers more freedom to use alternative payment systems.

Google and Apple have lobbied heavily against these provisions. Their central message, repeated in white papers, blog posts, and meetings with policymakers, is that the DMA will endanger users. Apple has argued that side-loading “would undermine the privacy and security protections” of iOS. Google has said that opening up Android further would “unlock new risks” in areas like fraud and malware.

This lobbying strategy goes all-in on security and privacy because these are issues users care about. And the companies have a point: their stores already block many malicious apps, and they do enforce privacy rules (such as app tracking transparency on iOS). But critics note that these same security arguments have historically been used to justify tight control over what apps can do — and to block competitors.

Why it matters

For everyday users, the debate boils down to a trade-off. On one hand, more open platforms could mean more choice: you might be able to install apps that Apple or Google would rather block (for example, cloud gaming services or alternative browsers). On the other hand, that openness could also mean more ways for bad actors to trick you into installing harmful software.

The truth is more nuanced. Android already allows side-loading, yet most Android users get their apps from the Play Store. Apple’s iOS does not allow side-loading, and the company says that has kept the platform safer. But even on iOS, there have been malware outbreaks through the App Store (like the Pegasus spyware, which exploited zero-day vulnerabilities). No system is perfectly secure.

Where the companies’ arguments get weaker is when you consider that the DMA doesn’t force them to throw out all security measures. The law requires them to provide “effective” protections even in alternative app stores. It also mandates transparency about how apps use data. In practice, users could still choose to only install from the default store if they prefer.

The bigger question is whether the DMA will actually improve competition and user rights, or whether it will create a confusing landscape where users have to manage multiple app sources and permissions. Neither outcome is guaranteed; it depends on how well the regulations are enforced and how the companies implement compliance.

What readers can do

You don’t need to become a policy expert, but a few practical steps can help you navigate the changes:

Stay informed. Follow consumer tech news sites that cover regulation, not just product launches. The DMA applies to Europe, but its effects often ripple globally — changes Apple makes to iOS for Europe could eventually come to other regions.

Evaluate company claims critically. When you hear “this regulation will hurt your privacy,” ask: What specific change is being discussed? And who benefits if the status quo remains? Sometimes security arguments are genuine; sometimes they protect a business model.

Control your own settings. Whether or not the DMA changes anything on your phone, you can already limit app permissions, review privacy labels, and disable tracking features. These steps give you more direct control than waiting for a platform to offer it.

Consider using a phone that gives you more options. If you value openness, Android is already more flexible. If you prioritize a curated experience, iOS may still suit you. The DMA won’t force you to change your habits, but it may give you more choices if you want them.

Sources

  • Tech Policy Press: “Google and Apple’s Anti-DMA Lobbying Strategy Goes All-in on Security and Privacy” (2026) — link
  • European Commission: “Digital Markets Act” — official text and FAQs (ec.europa.eu)
  • Apple: “Building a trusted ecosystem for millions of apps” — Apple security white paper (2023)
  • Google: “How Android preserves user security and privacy” — Android security blog (2024)