The UK’s antitrust regulator has concluded its investigation into the app stores managed by Alphabet Inc.’s Google and Apple Inc., in anticipation of new digital marketplace regulations. These imminent laws are designed to provide the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) with expanded authority to address the dominance of several major tech companies. According to [Bloomberg Law](https://news.bloomberglaw.com/antitrust/uk-closes-google-apple-probes-ahead-of-new-digital-rules-regime), the CMA’s initial enforcement activities under these new rules are likely to concentrate on app stores, such as Google Play and Apple’s App Store.
Set to take effect this fall, the UK’s Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill aims to empower the CMA with comprehensive abilities, including the imposition of substantial fines for non-compliance. This differentiated approach allows the watchdog to scrutinize particular actions by companies that hold what is termed as “strategic market status.” To fall under this designation, companies must have a significant entrenched digital market presence in the UK, strategic significance, and global revenues surpassing £25 billion or UK sales over £1 billion.
The CMA’s Digital Markets’ executive director, Will Hayter, emphasized the importance of maintaining a fair and competitive app ecosystem, which will benefit tech businesses, foster investment, and deliver improved consumer outcomes in the UK. Although Apple did not immediately respond to requests for comments, Google highlighted its platform’s flexibility and choice, noting the availability of multiple app stores and sideloading options.
For further details, reference the article on [Bloomberg Law](https://news.bloomberglaw.com/antitrust/uk-closes-google-apple-probes-ahead-of-new-digital-rules-regime).