EU targets smart TVs and voice assistants in new competition crackdown

The European Union is turning its attention to smart TVs and voice assistants as part of its competition policy. These technologies, now central to daily digital life, are under scrutiny for their potential to dominate content access. Major firms like Google, Amazon, Apple, and Samsung are at the heart of the debate.

European media companies have raised concerns about the influence of big tech in controlling how users find and access content. They argue that smart TVs and voice assistants could act as 'gatekeepers', shaping what audiences see and hear. The call is growing for these systems to be regulated under the EU's Digital Markets Act.

The focus is on ensuring fair competition and content discoverability. Media firms want stricter enforcement of existing rules, while the EU is considering whether new regulations are needed. If classified as gatekeepers, companies operating these platforms would face tighter oversight.

A recent review found that available data does not track smart TV manufacturer market shares in the EU over the past five years. Instead, discussions have centred on broader digital competition issues, including industrial automation and consulting services. The EU's next steps will determine how these technologies are governed in the future.

The outcome of this debate could reshape how smart TVs and voice assistants operate in Europe. If new rules are introduced, they would aim to prevent market dominance and ensure equal access to content. The EU's decision will set a precedent for regulating emerging digital gateways.