US House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan has asked European Union (EU) antitrust chief Teresa Ribera to clarify how the bloc enforces its regulations on major technology companies. According to Reuters, which broke the story, Jordan has raised concerns that the EU’s rules could unfairly impact US firms, subjecting them to stricter oversight while benefiting European competitors.
The request comes just days after US President Donald Trump signed a memorandum directing his administration to scrutinise the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) and Digital Services Act (DSA). These regulations govern how major tech firms operate within the European market. The DMA, which sets out specific obligations for large digital platforms, applies to companies such as Alphabet, Apple, Amazon, ByteDance, Booking.com, Microsoft, and Meta Platforms. The rules aim to create a more competitive environment and provide consumers with greater choices.
Jordan’s letter, co-signed by Scott Fitzgerald, chairman of the subcommittee on the administrative state, regulatory reform, and antitrust, argues that the DMA imposes disproportionate regulatory burdens on US firms. The lawmakers claim that the compliance requirements could put US-based companies at a disadvantage compared to their European counterparts. The letter also raises concerns about financial penalties imposed under the DMA. Companies found in violation of the law could face fines of up to 10% of their global annual revenue. Jordan and Fitzgerald argue that these penalties may serve as a mechanism to enforce European regulatory standards worldwide and act as a financial burden on US firms.
Beyond competition, the letter points to broader risks linked to the DMA. Some provisions, it argues, could hinder innovation, discourage research and development, and result in the transfer of proprietary data to foreign companies, including those in China. Jordan and Fitzgerald have requested that Ribera provide a briefing to the House Judiciary Committee by 10 March. The European Commission (EC), where Ribera is the second-highest official under President Ursula von der Leyen, has denied that the regulations are designed to single out US companies.
Google faces potential charges under EU rules
In a separate development, Google is expected to face formal charges for allegedly breaching the DMA. Sources familiar with the matter said that the EC had dismissed Google’s proposed changes to its search results, finding them inadequate to meet regulatory standards and industry concerns. The EU has been investigating Google’s search practices since last year, focusing on whether the company favours its own services, such as Google Shopping, Google Flights, and Google Hotels, over competitors in search rankings. Regulators are also examining whether Google discriminates against third-party services.
To address regulatory concerns, Google has introduced modifications to search result formats, but industry groups argue that the adjustments fail to comply with DMA requirements. One source indicated that regulators are also scrutinising Google’s proposal to revert to basic blue-link search results if it cannot reach a resolution with competitors. The expected charges against Google are likely to be followed by regulatory decisions concerning Apple and Meta Platforms, which are further along in the enforcement process.
A separate DMA investigation into Google is looking at whether the company prevents app developers from informing users about alternative purchasing options outside the Google Play Store.
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