UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – The CMA plans action against Apple and Google to tackle mobile dominance and promote fair competition for consumers and developers.
As reported by The Guardian, a British competition watchdog plans to act against Apple and Google to open their mobile systems for fairer access and improved consumer choice.
What did the CMA say about Apple and Google’s mobile power?
The UK’s CMA has classified Apple and Google as holding “strategic market status” due to their dominance over mobile device access. It now plans to introduce changes to encourage fairer platform practices.
According to the regulator, “roadmaps” have been published for each firm, with a commitment to “proportionate, pro-innovation” plans that aim to
“promote competition in digital markets while protecting UK consumers and businesses from unfair or harmful practices.”
The CMA said it will initially focus on the app stores run by the tech giants, which have faced criticism from developers. The goal is to ensure a “fair and transparent” review process and allow users to “steer” away from the stores when purchasing.
It will also examine Apple’s restrictions on digital wallets to ensure fair competition for rival fintech companies.
What did Sarah Cardell say about Apple and Google’s role in the UK?
Sarah Cardell, CEO of the CMA, said,
“Apple and Google’s mobile platforms are both critical to the UK economy – playing an important role in all our lives, from banking and shopping to entertainment and education.”
She added,
“But our investigation so far has identified opportunities for more innovation and choice. Time is of the essence: as competition agencies and courts globally take action in these markets, it’s essential the UK doesn’t fall behind.”
What prompted the UK to investigate Apple and Google?
In January, the UK regulator started investigating Apple and Google over their control of mobile platforms.
Regulators reviewed the tech giants’ operating systems, app stores, and browsers to assess whether custom regulations were needed to oversee their conduct.
The CMA said that nearly all smartphones in the UK came pre-installed with Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android. It added that their platforms also favoured in-house app stores and browsers over rival services.
On iPhones, Safari remains the default and dominant browser, while Android users mainly rely on Google Chrome.
The launch of the CMA’s review came shortly after Doug Gurr, previously with Amazon UK, was named the authority’s new chair.
Microsoft publicly criticised the CMA two years ago after it blocked the tech giant’s planned takeover of Activision Blizzard.
Brad Smith, Microsoft’s president, criticised Britain as “bad for business” before the deal eventually secured regulatory approval.
What concerns were raised over Doug Gurr’s appointment?
After Doug Gurr’s appointment, the government rejected accusations of being “in the pocket of big tech.”
Tech firms and consumer advocates raised concerns in a letter to Rachel Reeves that Gurr’s appointment could weaken the CMA’s independence.
He pledged to streamline the CMA’s reviews of mergers and acquisitions, calling for a “simple and rapid” process.
Peter Kyle’s views on limiting kids’ time on TikTok and Snapchat
UK is considering a two-hour daily cap on children’s use of apps like TikTok and Snapchat. This comes amid growing concerns over excessive smartphone use.
Peter Kyle, the science and technology secretary, has raised concerns about the impact of social media on children. He said youth struggle to prepare for exams because of excessive app use.
Mr Kyle stated,
“I think some kids feel that sometimes there is so much compulsive behaviour with interaction with the apps, they need some help just to take control of their online lives, and those are things I’m looking at really carefully.”
He said,
“We talk a lot about a healthy childhood offline. We need to do the same online. I think sleep is very important, to be able to focus on studying is very important.”
Angela Rayner’s views on the roots of social division
The Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said,
“Economic insecurity, the rapid pace of de-industrialisation, immigration and the impacts on local communities and public services, technological change and the amount of time people were spending alone online, and declining trust in institutions were having a profound impact on society.”