"The Competition and Markets Authority escalated scrutiny of the two U.S. tech companies by labeling them with "strategic market status." It follows separate investigations that the CMA opened at the start of the year into Google's Android and Apple's iOS using newly acquired digital market regulations designed to protect consumers and businesses from unfair practices by Big Tech companies. The regulator's decision was expected. It proposed the classifications in July but sought feedback before releasing its final decision."
"Google called the decision "disappointing, disproportionate and unwarranted," and has contended previously that Android has saved app developers money because they didn't have to adapt to different operating models for each smartphone. "Following the CMA's decision today, our mobile business in the UK faces a set of new - and, as of yet, uncertain - rules," said Oliver Bethell, senior competition director at Google. "The CMA's next steps will be crucial if the UK's digital markets regime is to meet its promise of being pro-growth and pro-innovation.""
The Competition and Markets Authority labeled Google and Apple with "strategic market status" under newly established digital markets rules, expanding regulatory powers over their mobile ecosystems. The designation allows the regulator to impose targeted measures to improve competition and ensure fair treatment of consumers and businesses, without implying wrongdoing. The CMA cited the firms' dominant positions, noting an effective duopoly with 90–100% of mobile devices in Britain on their platforms. Google criticized the move as disproportionate and warned of uncertain new rules for its UK mobile business, while the CMA proceeds from prior investigations into Android and iOS.
Read at SFGATE
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