Key information
Regulators are increasingly mandating interoperability to challenge the dominance of major tech corporations, which often argue that such requirements compromise user security. While companies like Apple and Google claim that opening their platforms to third-party developers or app stores creates risks, the EFF argues that security and interoperability are not inherently contradictory goals.
The European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) now legally requires gatekeepers to provide effective interoperability for core platform services. This mandate aims to dismantle vendor lockouts and anti-competitive practices. Despite these legal requirements, tech giants continue to resist, often citing security concerns to maintain control over their ecosystems.
Legal and technical precedents suggest that secure, interoperable systems are achievable. For instance, the adoption of Rich Communication Services (RCS) and Message Layer Security (MLS) enabled end-to-end secure messaging between Android and iOS. The EFF suggests that when both security and interoperability are treated as essential design principles, they can coexist without sacrificing user features.
To implement these changes, the EFF recommends that regulators adopt a balanced approach. This includes providing technical guidance and potentially offering a tiered timeline for compliance, allowing companies time to retrofit closed systems securely. By prioritizing both safety and user agency, regulators can foster a more open and competitive internet.
