Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL), Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META), Qualcomm (NASDAQ:QCOM), and a coalition of seven other technology companies have joined forces to advocate for open digital ecosystems. This collaborative effort, named the Coalition for Open Digital Ecosystems (CODE), is in response to new European Union (EU) tech rules and aims to foster growth and innovation in Europe’s digital landscape.
The group, which also includes Chinese smart devices maker Honor, China’s Lenovo (0992.HK), French augmented reality start-up Lynx, U.S. telecoms equipment maker Motorola (NYSE:MSI), UK electronics maker Nothing, Norwegian tech company Opera, and German messaging services provider Wire, expressed its commitment to working with academics, policymakers, and other companies. The objective is to advance digital openness, aligning with implementing the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and future EU regulatory frameworks.
The DMA mandates gatekeepers, large tech companies controlling access to their platforms, to allow third parties to inter-operate with their services. It also requires these gatekeepers to enable their business users to promote their offerings and establish contracts with customers outside the gatekeeper’s platform.
Stan Larroque, founder of Lynx, emphasized the importance of openness in fostering innovation and positively impacting competitiveness. The coalition seeks to define and promote the concept of “good” digital ecosystems in Europe through cross-industry collaboration. Their focus includes advocating for seamless connectivity, interoperable systems, and other initiatives aimed at opening up digital ecosystems.
This collaborative effort by prominent tech companies reflects a proactive approach to engage with EU regulations and potentially shape future legislation. As the CODE initiative gains traction, observing how these companies contribute to the evolution of digital ecosystems in Europe will be interesting.
Featured Image: Unsplash
Author Faith Yakubu 
