Britain’s Competition and Markets Authority has suspended its ongoing investigations into Apple and Google’s app stores, pending the introduction of new legislation designed to regulate digital markets.
The CMA’s decision follows extensive global scrutiny over the dominance of Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store, which critics argue impose unfair fees on app developers and restrict competition.
A 2022 CMA market study revealed that Apple and Google effectively monopolize app distribution in Britain, leading to the launch of investigations into potential anti-competitive practices by both tech giants.
However, in a statement released on Wednesday, the CMA announced it would halt both probes until the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act is enacted later this year. “Once the new pro-competition digital markets regime is in place, we’ll be able to apply these new powers to address the concerns we’ve already identified,” said Will Hayter, Executive Director for Digital Markets at the CMA.
In response, a Google spokesperson highlighted that its Android platform offers more flexibility and choice compared to others, including access to multiple app stores. “We have been in discussions with the CMA throughout their investigation and have made significant commitments to expand billing options for developers on Google Play,” the spokesperson added.
