The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation into tech giants Google and Apple’s dominance over the mobile browser market.
The regulatory authority will probe the companies’ “stranglehold” over operating systems, web browsers and app stores on mobile devices, according to a press release. The CMA said “97% of all mobile web browsing in the UK in 2021 happens on browsers powered by either Apple’s or Google’s browser engine, so any restrictions on these engines can have a major impact on users’ experiences”.
The authority has released the results of a consultation it held in June with browser vendors, web developers and cloud gaming service providers, who have offered “substantial support” for the investigation, saying Google and Apple’s dominant positions are harming their businesses and limiting innovation. Apple’s control over cloud gaming will also be investigated.
“There are already more than 800,000 users of cloud gaming services in the UK but restrictions on their distribution on mobile devices could hamper growth in this sector, meaning UK gamers miss out,” the CMA said.
Complaints from developers also include Apple’s restrictions and “underinvestment” in the company’s browser technology that lead to added costs as developers are forced to deal with bugs and glitches when building web pages. The statement adds the developers “have no choice but to create bespoke mobile apps when a website might be sufficient”.
Sarah Cardell, the CMA’s interim chief executive, said many UK businesses and developers feel that they are being held back by the restrictions set by Google and Apple.
“We plan to investigate whether the concerns we have heard are justified and, if so, identify steps to improve competition and innovation in these sectors.”
In response to the probe, a Google spokesperson said Android gives people a greater choice of apps than any other company.
“It also enables developers to choose the browser engine they want, and has been the launchpad for millions of apps,” they said. “We’re committed to building thriving, open platforms that empower consumers and help developers build successful businesses.”
In a series of antitrust probes, Google was fined $161 million and then $113 by India’s Competition Commission of India (CCI) in October. The company was found to be forcing web developers to use its own billing system for purchases of digital goods in the country. Consequently, Google halted the in-app billing requirement for developers in India.
