Trusting Gatekeepers in the Digital Markets Act Era: Implications for Black Women

The European Commission’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) marks a pivotal step in regulating the tech giants that dominate our digital landscape. The recent designation of Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, ByteDance, Meta, and Microsoft as “gatekeepers” underscores their influential roles. However, this spotlight also highlights the critical issue of diversity and inclusion, particularly as these companies face criticism for slashing equality policies. This raises significant concerns about representation and equity for Black women in the tech industry.

In my book, She Disrupts: A Black Woman’s Journey in STEM and AI Industries, I delve into Black women's multifaceted challenges and triumphs in technology. The current scenario with the DMA gatekeepers echoes a familiar theme: the persistent struggle for genuine inclusion and the systemic barriers that Black women continue to face.

The Challenge of Trust

The designation of these six companies as gatekeepers implies a trust in their ability to foster fair competition and protect consumer interests. However, their track records on diversity and inclusion cast a shadow over this trust. Reports of these companies scaling back their equality policies raise red flags for me, particularly when considering the underrepresentation of Black women in tech roles. If these gatekeepers are seen as backpedalling on their commitments to diversity, it calls into question their overall integrity and commitment to equitable practices.

Implications for Black Women

The implications for Black women in tech are profound. These gatekeepers are not just companies but cultural influencers and trendsetters in the industry. When they diminish their focus on diversity and inclusion, it signals to the broader market that such values are negotiable. This can lead to:

????????????? 1. A rollback in diversity initiatives can result in fewer opportunities for Black women to enter and advance in the tech industry. This exacerbates existing disparities and limits the pipeline of diverse talent.

????????????? 2. Black women already face significant pay disparities in tech. Without robust equality policies, the wage gap can widen further, entrenching economic inequalities.

????????????? 3. Inclusive policies often foster environments where mentorship and support networks thrive. Their reduction can leave Black women without the necessary resources to navigate the industry’s challenges.

?Can We Trust These Gatekeepers?

Trust in these gatekeepers is contingent upon their actions aligning with their stated commitments to diversity and inclusion. To truly earn and maintain this trust, I encourage these companies to go beyond compliance with regulatory frameworks, but they must actively demonstrate their dedication to equitable practices.

Here are my recommendations to Mitigate This Issue

????????????? 1. Gatekeepers must commit to transparent reporting on diversity metrics and the impact of their equality policies. This includes regular disclosures of workforce demographics, pay equity analyses and progress towards diversity goals. Transparency fosters accountability and allows for public scrutiny, ensuring these companies remain committed to their diversity promises.

????????????? 2. Collaboration with organisations that advocate for Black women in tech can help these companies understand and address the unique challenges faced by this group. Follow the?Academy Achievers page?to find out which tech organisations we are working with (and how you can get involved, too) that have been facilitating the #BeMedigitalinclusion mentorship, scholarships, and career development initiatives tailored to support the global majority of women, particularly Black women.

????????????? 3. Continuous education on unconscious bias, cultural competency, and inclusive leadership should be mandatory at all levels of these organisations. Purchasing my book, She Disrupts: A Black Women’s Journey in STEM and AI Industries, and investing in development programs that prepare Black women for leadership roles can help build a more inclusive pipeline.

Conclusion

The DMA’s designation of gatekeepers is a double-edged sword. While it aims to regulate market power, it also highlights the critical issue of trust in these companies’ commitment to diversity and inclusion. For Black women, the stakes are high. As I emphasise in She Disrupts, actual progress in tech requires an unwavering dedication to equity and representation.

These gatekeepers have the power to lead by example and set industry standards. By embracing transparency, forging solid partnerships with advocacy groups, and committing to continuous diversity education, they can mitigate current concerns and build a more inclusive digital future. Trust in these gatekeepers hinges on their ability to speak about diversity and live it through their actions and policies. Only then can we truly believe in their role as equitable stewards of the digital age.

#SheDISRUPTS