Developers Alliance Press Release on the Publication of the European Commission Proposal for a Regulation on Promoting Fairness and Transparency for Business Users of Online Intermediation Services
Thursday, 26 April 2018
Contact: Michela Palladino – Michela@DevAlliance.org
BRUSSELS – The Developers Alliance released today the following statement:
“The Developers Alliance and its members acknowledge the decision of the European Commission to propose a Regulation on promoting fairness and transparency for business users of online intermediation services and online search engines in the Digital Single Market.
The Alliance believes in the essential role of platforms in allowing developers across Europe to take advantage of the digital market in ways that would otherwise not be possible.
According to a recent Developers Alliance survey, developers have a positive attitude towards platforms, which are seen as conducive towards their success and responsive to their needs. Developers also find the level of communication they have with the platforms satisfactory.
The Developer Alliance believes in the efficiency of the current system and doesn’t think it needs to be overhauled.
In order to thrive, developers need to work in a predictable environment that enables an efficient allocation of time and resources. Such predictability seems impossible in a sector as dynamic and constantly evolving as technology, but it can be achieved when platforms and their users communicate efficiently.
The Alliance supports the European Commission’s intentions to encourage better relationships between platforms and their users through transparency but is concerned about the lack of evidence basis for this legislative intervention. The proposal tabled today by the Commission risks negatively affecting the entire online ecosystem, creating barriers for European developers, platforms (of all sizes), SMEs and start-ups.
The Developers Alliance looks forward to bringing the developers’ viewpoint to the discussion with the co-legislators in the coming months and to working together with the European Parliament and the EU Member States towards a light-touch and targeted solution in order to support the growth and success of European digital businesses and not to stifle innovation.”
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The Developers Alliance is the world’s leading advocate for software developers and the companies invested in their success. Alliance members include industry leaders in consumer, enterprise, industrial, and emerging software development, and a global network of more than 70,000 developers.
