Точка Синхронізації

Technology giants Apple and Google formally agreed to reform their digital marketplace practices in the United Kingdom on February 20, 2024, following a comprehensive investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) into their alleged 'effective duopoly' over the mobile ecosystem. The Competition and Markets Authority initiated this probe to address concerns that the two companies held an unfair stranglehold on how apps are distributed and how developers process payments on iOS and Android devices. This victory for British regulators comes after years of scrutiny regarding the restrictive nature of the App Store and Google Play Store, which critics argue stifled innovation and inflated prices for consumers through high commission fees. Under the newly established legally binding commitments, both companies have pledged to increase transparency and provide developers with greater flexibility in how they operate. Specifically, the changes are aimed at allowing app creators to inform users about cheaper payment alternatives outside of the integrated store billing systems, a practice previously restricted by 'anti-steering' policies. The CMA stated that these concessions are designed to break down the barriers that have long protected the tech giants from local competition, effectively unlocking more opportunities for the UK’s thriving domestic app economy. Sarah Cardell, the Chief Executive of the CMA, emphasized that these shifts mark a significant step toward a more level playing field in the digital sector. While the investigation initially focused on the restrictive control over mobile browsers and cloud gaming, the resulting commitments focus heavily on ensuring that third-party developers are not unfairly disadvantaged by the technical and financial requirements imposed by Apple and Google. This settlement allows the UK to implement these changes more rapidly than through protracted litigation, providing immediate relief to the tech sector. This regulatory milestone aligns with a global trend of tightening oversight on Big Tech, mirroring similar legislative efforts seen in the European Union's Digital Markets Act. Moving forward, the CMA will monitor these companies closely to ensure the spirit of the agreement is maintained, with the ultimate goal of fostering an environment where variety and price competition can flourish. For UK consumers, the move is expected to eventually lead to lower subscription costs and a wider variety of specialized applications that were previously hindered by the high barrier to entry in the mobile market.