Navigating EU Regulations as an iOS Developer: Insights from Do iOS 2024
In November 2024, we had the opportunity to join the ACT Members Panel on the Do iOS Developers Conference in Amsterdam, an event that brings together developers and businesses shaping the iOS ecosystem. I was part of a panel discussion, moderated by Borbala Szucs-Bartfai, the App Association’s EU policy manager, where we tackled a pressing issue for developers and small businesses: navigating the EU’s increasingly complex regulatory landscape.
We shared our experiences as developers and business owners dealing with policies like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Digital Services Act (DSA), and the Digital Markets Act (DMA). These regulations have profound effects on how we operate, often in ways that policymakers may not fully anticipate.
The Double-Edged Sword of Regulation
During the discussion, our founder, Mitchel Volkering, emphasized the critical role of GDPR in safeguarding user data. Privacy and security are at the core of what we do, and well-designed regulations help maintain trust. However, Mitchel also highlighted how compliance burdens—especially for small businesses—can be overwhelming. Instead of clear and actionable requirements, we often face overlapping obligations, increased costs, and significant administrative overhead.
Similarly, the DSA and DMA, while introduced with good intentions, bring unintended consequences that make innovation harder. They introduce added complexity, stricter reporting requirements, and new challenges related to privacy and security. Many companies, including Vaic.at, spend more time ensuring compliance than actually building the tools and services that benefit users.
The Unique Struggles of SMEs in the App Economy
The conversation continued and we spoke about the difficulties SMEs face when trying to keep up with regulatory changes. Large companies have legal teams to navigate these rules, but for small businesses, staying informed and compliant is an ongoing challenge. Important points were raised: “Regulation can slow you down.”
A specific example is the ‘trader’ status under the DSA, which creates additional reporting burdens for SMEs. The lack of clarity around its application only adds to the problem. Several audience members shared similar concerns, reinforcing that many small developers are struggling with these same issues.
Bridging the Gap Between Policymakers and Developers
One of the key takeaways from our discussion was the urgent need for better communication between industry and policymakers. Excessive regulation doesn’t just create hurdles—it can stifle innovation and limit growth opportunities. The panel agreed that regulations should be shaped with a deep understanding of how tech businesses actually function, ensuring they enable rather than hinder progress.
The response from the audience made it clear: developers and SMEs want to be heard. They want a seat at the table when decisions are made that impact their ability to operate and innovate. This is something I’m deeply passionate about at Vaic.at—ensuring that small businesses and independent developers are not left out of these critical conversations.
As our industry evolves, it’s essential that policymakers work alongside us, not against us. By fostering a more collaborative dialogue, we can ensure that regulations truly serve their intended purpose—protecting users without crushing the very businesses that drive innovation forward.
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