Artikel 42 Verbandsklagen

This is a notably brief article that serves a clear cross-regulatory linking function.

It extends the reach of Directive (EU) 2020/1828, which governs representative actions for the protection of the collective interests of consumers, to cover infringements of this Regulation by gatekeepers.

In other words, where a gatekeeper's breach of the Digital Markets Act harms or may harm consumers collectively, the existing EU framework for representative actions applies.

Important points:

• Directive (EU) 2020/1828 on representative actions is expressly applied to gatekeeper infringements under this Regulation.
• The trigger for a representative action is harm, or potential harm, to the collective interests of consumers.
• Gatekeepers are the subject of this provision, meaning consumer organisations and other qualified entities may bring collective actions against them under the referenced Directive.