The UK’s competition watchdog has launched investigations into the impact of Apple and Google’s mobile platforms on consumers and businesses, days after the government faced criticism for installing a former tech executive as the organisation’s new chair.
Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) will investigate the tech firms’ mobile operating systems, app stores and browsers to determine whether both companies require tailor-made guidelines to regulate their behaviour.
denying it was “in the pocket of big tech” after appointing Doug Gurr, a former country manager of Amazon UK, to chair the CMA.
The CMA said it will look at the impact of Google and Apple’s mobile platforms on consumers and businesses, including app developers.
The watchdog said virtually all smartphones sold in the UK are pre-installed with Apple’s iOS or Google’s Android operating systems, while their respective app stores and browsers have privileged positions on their platforms compared with third-party products and services.
The watchdog will determine whether Apple and Google should be designated as having “strategic market status” under a new regulatory regime brought in under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCC). If they are deemed to have that status, the CMA can impose “conduct requirements” or force changes such as making it easier for users to download apps outside Apple and Google’s own app stores.
Sarah Cardell, the CMA’s chief executive, said both companies’ mobile platforms are consumers’ gateways “into the digital world”.
“More competitive mobile ecosystems could foster new innovations and new opportunities across a range of services that millions of people use, be they app stores, browsers or operating systems,” she said. “Better competition could also boost growth here in the UK, with businesses able to offer new and innovative types of products and services on Apple’s and Google’s platforms.”
first investigation under the DMCC into Google and the impact of its search and advertising practices on consumers, news publishers, businesses and rival search engines.
strong economic growth.
“What is more interesting is how this fits into the very clear steer the CMA is getting from central government to ensure that regulation is consistently applied with its pro-growth agenda,” he said.
skip past newsletter promotionBusiness Today
Get set for the working day – we’ll point you to all the business news and analysis you need every morning
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( UK competition watchdog investigates Apple and Google’s mobile platforms )
Also on site :
- Syrian Ministry of Communications launches SilkLink project to develop internet
- 'Law & Order's Mariska Hargitay Celebrates Landmark Accomplishment
- Armed man shot by LAPD after confrontation in Tarzana