It has been reported that many users have stopped using the Safari browser on their iPhones since the European Union (EU) implemented the Tao Market Law Skilled (DMA) about a month ago. The new law requires large tech companies like Apple and Google to allow users to easily switch their default web browsers on their devices, thereby giving them the freedom to choose the browser that best fits their needs.
According to Reuters, a significant number of EU users have opted for third-party browsers like Vivaldi, Opera, Ecosia, Brave, and DuckDuckGo over Safari and Chrome since the law came into effect. This is a significant issue for Apple, as iPhones have a larger market share than Android phones in the EU.
This shift in user preference is being attributed to increasing concerns over online privacy. Smaller browsers like Aloha, Brave, and DuckDuckGo are known for their focus on privacy and their refusal to track users for ad-targeting purposes. This has resulted in a 250% increase in the user base of Aloha Browser in the EU in March, according to analytics data.
However, some browser companies have criticized Apple and Google for slowing down the transition of users to new browser options. They claim that the rollout of updates has been sluggish.
Overall, this trend of users migrating to alternative Safari browsers shows the positive impact of the DMA in promoting competition and empowering consumers to choose browsers that suit their individual needs. It is expected that more EU users will become aware of the importance of online privacy, and this shift towards smaller privacy-focused browsers is likely to continue in the future.