Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google, is once again under regulatory fire in Europe. On July 24, 2025, six leading digital rights organizations filed an antitrust complaint with the European Commission, accusing Alphabet of violating the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) by failing to meet one of its core compliance requirements.
Accusation: Non-Compliance with the DMA’s Uninstall Requirement
The crux of the complaint centers around Alphabet’s alleged failure to comply with a specific DMA mandate: that so-called “gatekeepers”—large platforms designated under the Act—must technically enable business users and end users to easily uninstall pre-installed apps on the platform’s operating system.
According to the complainants, Google has not fulfilled this obligation in its Android operating system. Instead, it allegedly obstructs or complicates the process of uninstalling certain default apps, thereby limiting consumer choice and maintaining its dominance in mobile ecosystems.
This is more than a technical violation. The groups argue that such restrictions entrench Google’s market position and deny users real control over their devices, which runs counter to the spirit of the DMA and broader EU digital market reforms.
Financial and Strategic Risks for Alphabet
Should the European Commission open a formal investigation and find Alphabet in breach of the DMA, the consequences could be serious. Under the DMA, penalties can reach up to 10% of a company’s total global turnover, and up to 20% for repeat offenses.
For Alphabet, which generated over $300 billion in revenue last year, even a single-digit percentage fine could amount to tens of billions. Beyond the immediate financial impact, enforcement could force Alphabet to change how Android operates across Europe—potentially weakening a key part of its mobile strategy.
DMA: Changing the Rules of the Game
The Digital Markets Act, which came into effect in 2023, is designed to level the playing field between tech giants and smaller competitors. It introduces strict rules for designated “gatekeepers” like Alphabet, Meta, Apple, and others. These rules cover areas such as app store access, data portability, and interoperability—but also practical user rights, like the ability to uninstall software freely.
This complaint highlights how enforcement of the DMA is not just a matter for regulators—it is increasingly driven by civil society groups, who are using legal channels to ensure the rules are upheld.
Looking Ahead
The European Commission will now decide whether to launch an official investigation. While this could take months or years to resolve, the implications are already rippling through financial and tech sectors.
For Alphabet, the message is clear: non-compliance with the DMA is not only a regulatory risk but a reputational and strategic one. For investors, this adds another layer of complexity when evaluating the company’s exposure to European legal frameworks.
