Source details
- Outlet: Brussels Signal
- Author: Claire Lemaire
- Format: News article / expert commentary
- Publication date: 29 September 2025
- Canonical source: Brussels Signal
Article summary
The article examines why the EU Digital Markets Act has not substantially changed how many Apple users choose browsers, app stores and other digital services. It argues that offering alternatives is insufficient when people remain influenced by defaults, information overload, convenience and risks that feel delayed or abstract. The piece discusses the European Commission's position, Apple's objections to the law and the role of interface design in determining whether alternatives are realistically accessible.
Relevance to Mathias Celis
Brussels Signal identifies Mathias as a behavioural-science researcher at Ghent University and quotes him repeatedly. He explains that platforms benefit when users overvalue convenience and remain with preselected options, describing the resulting perception of free choice as a digital optical illusion. He also argues that regulation should make alternatives genuinely usable and help consumers understand the long-term consequences of data use.
Key takeaway
This is independent English-language coverage that positions Mathias as an expert on defaults, digital-market regulation, consumer behaviour and Big Tech. It extends his media record beyond pensions and workplace nudging into European technology policy.