UK CMA Targets Apple and Google in Mobile Ecosystem Duopoly
The UK's Competition and Markets Authority plans to assign strategic market status to Apple and Google due to their dominance in the mobile ecosystem, aiming to ensure fair competition and innovation. Despite opposition from the tech giants, the regulator seeks to promote consumer choice and business opportunities.
Britain's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) intends to award strategic market status to Apple and Google as part of increased oversight in the mobile ecosystem landscape. The announcement follows an inquiry that noted inefficiencies in the market for mobile internet browsers, pointing to a duopoly threatening both consumer and business interests.
The CMA's consideration comes on the back of Apple's Safari and Google's Chrome dominating mobile browsers on iPhones and Androids respectively. CMA head Sarah Cardell emphasized the importance of Apple and Google's platforms to the UK economy, while citing potential for innovation and improved choice.
As part of an ongoing review, the CMA plans to make its final decision by October 22, exploring further regulatory actions. This designation would allow the CMA to mandate specific corporate practices to enhance competition. Both tech giants have criticized the move, calling it unnecessary and potentially obstructive to UK economic growth.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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