UK Targets Apple and Google in Mobile Browser Duopoly Battle

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is ramping up its scrutiny of tech giants, Apple and Google, as part of a larger effort to address what it sees as a duopoly in the mobile ecosystem. The regulator announced that it intends to assign both companies a 'strategic market status' (SMS) designation, opening the door for potential regulatory interventions.

Apple's Safari and Google's Chrome lead the way in the mobile browser market on iPhones and Android devices, respectively. The SMS designation would empower the CMA to demand changes from the companies, such as providing users with more features and increased choice in their mobile browser options, should the CMA's recommendations be implemented.

While the proposals aim to ensure fair market competition, both Apple and Google have pushed back. Google expressed its disappointment, labeling the move as 'unwarranted,' whereas Apple raised concerns about potential impacts on user privacy and security protections.

(With inputs from agencies.)