CMA Proposes Rules to Boost Competition in Google and Apple's Mobile Ecosystems
The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has provisionally designated Google and Apple as having 'Strategic Market Status' under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCCA). This move, supported by Mozilla and Open Web Advocacy, aims to promote competition in the tech industry. However, some critics argue that the proposed remedies do not go far enough.
Megan Kirkwood, a fellow at Tech Policy Press, has been following the developments. The CMA's initial remedies prioritize international cooperation, such as aligning with the European Digital Markets Act and US litigation. However, more ambitious remedies, like investigating Apple's App Tracking Transparency policy, have been deprioritized.
The CMA proposes to impose rules on both Android and iOS mobile operating systems, their respective app distribution channels, mobile browsers, and browser engines. Category 1 measures include fair app review processes, transparency in app ranking, and allowing app developers to direct customers off the App Store. Tom Smith, a former CMA director, however, believes the CMA is 'ducking issues that would really threaten the entrenched positions of Apple and Google'. Epic Games echoed this sentiment, calling the proposed remedies a 'missed opportunity' to introduce competition into the currently monopolized stock market.
The CMA's proposed remedies aim to improve competition on the edges of the platforms, while largely leaving Google and Apple able to set and control access conditions. The final decision is expected to be made following a consultation period, with the CMA's final report due in early 2023. The tech industry and consumers await the final outcome to see if these changes will truly foster a more competitive stock market.
