DMA scope: gatekeepers only, not all platforms

The DMA is not a catch-all for every online service. It focuses only on a small set of powerful platforms that act as gatekeepers—think of the biggest tech firms like Google, Apple, or Meta. If a question lists a random e-commerce site or a niche social network, that platform is almost certainly outside the DMA's scope. The core idea is fair and contestable digital markets, not consumer protection or data privacy (those are GDPR's job).

To spot a trap question, check the platform's size: the DMA applies only to those with a significant impact on the internal market, a strong intermediation role, and an entrenched position (usually over 45 million monthly active users in the EU). If the scenario describes a small startup or a regional service, cross it off. Also, remember the DMA is about market fairness—if the question mentions data breaches or consent, it's likely GDPR, not DMA.

A quick mental test: ask yourself, 'Could this platform be replaced easily by a competitor?' If yes, it's not a gatekeeper. For memory, think of the 'big five' tech giants and ignore the rest. If the question lists a platform you've never heard of, it's probably not a gatekeeper—so the DMA doesn't apply.