UK Watchdog Puts Apple, Google Mobile Ecosystems Under Scrutiny

   By Adria Calatayud 
 

The U.K.'s Competition and Markets Authority said Tuesday that it has launched a market study into the market power of Apple Inc. and Google's mobile ecosystems, in its latest attempt to tighten scrutiny over U.S. tech giants.

The antitrust watchdog said it is looking into whether the companies' control over mobile operating systems, app stores and web browsers could be hurting competition in digital markets.

The CMA said it is concerned that this could lead to reduced innovation and consumers paying higher prices for devices, apps or other goods and services. The study will also examine the effects of Apple and Google's market power over other businesses such as app developers, the regulator said.

The regulator said this study is broader than previous investigations into Apple's App Store and Google's proposals to remove third-party cookies, and is part of a larger program that seeks to establish a new regulatory regime for digital markets.

"Apple and Google control the major gateways through which people download apps or browse the web on their mobiles--whether they want to shop, play games, stream music or watch TV. We are looking into whether this could be creating problems for consumers and the businesses that want to reach people through their phones," CMA Chief Executive Andrea Coscelli said.

The CMA said it is seeking comments or concerns until July 26. The regulator has 12 months to complete the study, it said.

Write to Adria Calatayud at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

June 15, 2021 06:52 ET (10:52 GMT)

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