Regulating Big Tech: Tracing the Trajectory of Platform Regulation in the Age of AI

This chapter explores the European Union’s regulatory landscape for digital platforms, which is marked by landmark legislation, including the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and the Digital Services Act (DSA). These regulations, enacted in late 2022, represent a fundamental shift in EU policy, focusing on limiting anti-competitive practices and enhancing user protection and transparency. Tracing platform regulation back to the early 2000s, the chapter highlights the evolution from a deregulated internet to today’s structured legal approach, influenced by the societal impact of ‘platformisation’ and the dominance of tech giants. This chapter also examines the complexities of implementing and enforcing the DMA and DSA, including the centralisation of enforcement powers within the European Commission and the challenges of monitoring compliance. It concludes by assessing the potential of DMA and DSA to foster a competitive digital market while ensuring accountability. Future EU regulatory adaptations are anticipated to address AI-driven changes, ensuring that the digital landscape remains innovative, safe, and inclusive.