Broadcasters Urge EU to Extend Digital Rules to Big Tech Smart TVs

In a growing debate over the reach of the European Union’s digital regulations, a coalition of broadcasters has called on the antitrust chief to broaden the scope of the Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA) to include smart TVs manufactured by Big Tech firms. The move comes as the EU seeks to tighten its grip on the digital ecosystem, ensuring that companies with vast user bases cannot abuse their market power. While the DSA and DMA already target online platforms such as search engines, social media sites, and streaming services, smart TVs have largely been left out of the regulatory net—despite their increasing role as a primary gateway for consumers to access video content.

Smart TVs: The New Frontier of Digital Platforms

Smart TVs are no longer just a device for watching broadcast television; they have evolved into sophisticated, internet‑connected platforms that aggregate content from a variety of sources. Major players like Amazon, Google, Apple, Samsung, and Sony offer their own app ecosystems, streaming services, and recommendation engines. These devices can influence what viewers see, how they discover new shows, and even how they pay for content. With a combined user base that rivals that of the largest social media platforms, smart TVs sit at the intersection of hardware,