Mar 23, 2026
A group representing major European and international broadcasters has called for the European Union's strictest digital regulations to cover smart television operating systems and virtual assistants from several large technology companies. The request was made in a letter to the EU's antitrust authority, according to Reuters.
The Association of Commercial Television and Video on Demand Services in Europe stated that Android TV, Amazon Fire OS, and Samsung's Tizen OS should be classified as gatekeepers under the Digital Markets Act. The broadcasters cited a market study indicating Android TV's share grew between 2019 and 2024, while Amazon Fire OS also expanded its share during that period. Samsung's system held a significant share as of the study.
The Digital Markets Act, which has been in force since 2023, imposes requirements on major tech platforms to limit their market power, encourage competition, and provide more options for consumers.
Concerns Over Market Control
The broadcasting association warned that a small number of operators are gaining increased power to influence outcomes for users and businesses by controlling how audiences are reached and content is distributed. It argued that designating major TV operating systems as gatekeepers is essential to ensure fairness and maintain a competitive market.
The group suggested that their large technology competitors might have reasons to keep users within their own closed systems and to impose restrictions that prevent easy linking or redirection between different media applications.
Broadcasters also expressed apprehension about virtual assistants, including well-known products from Amazon and Apple, noting that another company introduced a beta feature for its chatbot last year. They stated that the European Commission has not yet designated any virtual assistants as gatekeepers under the current rules.
This absence of regulation, according to the…