EU probes smart TVs and voice assistants for unfair competition risks

The EU is reviewing competition rules for smart TVs and voice assistants. Media companies argue that these technologies could unfairly control access to content. Broadcasters are now urging stricter oversight to prevent market dominance by a few major players.

The debate centres on whether companies like Google, Amazon, Apple, and Samsung hold too much influence. Their platforms may prioritise their own services, limiting visibility for other providers. Media firms warn this could distort competition in the digital marketplace.

Broadcasters want platform operators to face tougher requirements. They argue that fair access to content must be guaranteed under existing rules. The EU's Digital Markets Act could classify these systems as 'gatekeepers,' forcing them to comply with stricter competition standards. The EU is also assessing whether current regulations need updating. A long-term reshaping of competition policy may be necessary to address these concerns. However, no recent data on market share trends for these technologies in the EU is available to support the claims. At the heart of the issue is discoverability. Providers fear their content could be buried if platforms favour their own offerings. Media companies are pushing for more consistent enforcement of competition laws to level the playing field.

The EU's focus on smart TVs and voice assistants marks a shift in competition policy. If classified as gatekeepers, major firms would face stricter controls. The outcome could determine how content is accessed and promoted across digital platforms in the future.