THE EUROPEAN UNION’S DIGITAL MARKETS ACT AND THE REGULATION OF TECH-OVER PROCESSES

Eshonkulov, Javokhir

International Conference on Law, Governance and Social Transformation | Volume 1, Issue 1 (2025) | Pages 12-23

THE EUROPEAN UNION’S DIGITAL MARKETS ACT AND THE REGULATION OF TECH-OVER PROCESSES

Javokhir Eshonkulov ^*

Tashkent State University of Law

Abstract

The rise of the digital economy has intensified market concentration within a few dominant technology ecosystems, a phenomenon described as “Tech-Over.” This study explores how the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) addresses the risks of such digital monopolization through ex-ante regulation. By designating “gatekeepers” and imposing obligations on data access, interoperability, self-preferencing, and acquisition transparency, the DMA introduces a preventive framework to ensure fairness and contestability in digital markets. The paper analyzes the legal, economic, and institutional structure of the DMA, its interaction with traditional competition law, and its practical implications for market dynamics, innovation, and consumer rights. Furthermore, it evaluates the potential adaptation of DMA principles to Uzbekistan’s evolving digital ecosystem, proposing regulatory mechanisms such as platform supervision, interoperability standards, and RegTech tools. The research concludes that proactive, technology-neutral regulation—anchored in openness and competition—is essential for sustaining innovation and preventing excessive digital concentration.

Keywords

Digital Markets Act Tech-Over gatekeepers interoperability data portability platform regulation

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Published October 26, 2025

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