Startups Leveraged Platform Data Under DMA Rules
Over 40 startups used new data access rights to build services, signaling a shift for digital operators.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Startups
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More than 40 startups have successfully utilized data generated on gatekeeper platforms to develop new services following the Digital Markets Act. This transition marks an expansion in data availability for smaller digital businesses operating within the European Union.
Why it matters
The Digital Markets Act aims to level the playing field by granting smaller firms access to data previously controlled by dominant platforms. This regulatory environment fundamentally changes how startups can innovate and scale their product offerings by leveraging existing market infrastructure.
More than 40 startups have utilized gatekeeper platform data to build new offerings. Gatekeepers now have 3 years to integrate these compliance requirements into their development cycles.
The players
European Commission
The executive branch of the European Union responsible for drafting legislation and enforcing the Digital Markets Act.
The details
Under the Digital Markets Act, startups are gaining technical access to datasets that were previously locked within gatekeeper platforms. This shift forces large digital entities to rethink their development cycles, as they must now architect their systems to accommodate data-sharing requirements. Operators should prepare for a three-year implementation window where these technical standards become standard practice.
Timeline
European Commission officials reported these statistics on September 22, 2026.
Gatekeepers have a three-year window to integrate compliance into their development cycles.
Market Landscape
This development follows the pattern established by the Digital Markets Act to decentralize data control. It marks a transition from regulatory intent to operational reality for digital platform gatekeepers.
Business operators should audit their product development plans to see if gatekeeper data access can accelerate their growth under the new framework. Monitor the technical compliance standards released by your platform partners over the next three years to ensure full compatibility.
The takeaway
The Digital Markets Act is actively expanding the data resources available to smaller tech firms. Operators should track the technical requirements for these platform integrations to determine if they can incorporate previously restricted data into their core services.
What happens next
Gatekeepers are expected to fully integrate compliance into their development cycles over the next three years.
Further reading
For more on the changing environment for new businesses, see Startups.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mlex.
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