New antitrust powers could prevail over tech giants like Apple in the UK

[ad_1]

The UK government has announced plans for new antitrust powers that would give it the ability to reverse business decisions made by tech giants like Apple.

Apple has long held the position of making its own decisions in what it considers the best interests of its customers and that it should not be forced by law to change its business models. However, the company has faced global antitrust pressure on the App Store, pre-built apps, manager relationships and more …

The proposed UK powers would be granted to a body called the Digital Markets Unit (DMU), which is part of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

New powers [are] proposed to the watchdog to suspend, block and cancel the decisions of the tech giants and to issue fines of up to 10% of turnover for serious violations […]

The Digital Markets Unit (DMU) will have the power to designate technology companies that have substantial market power rooted with strategic market status (SMS). This will require them to follow new rules of acceptable behavior with competitors and customers in a move that will benefit the public and drive growth and innovation across the economy. […]

The DMU may also be empowered to suspend, block and reverse code-breaking behavior by tech giants – such as unfair changes in their algorithms or T&C – and order them to take specific actions to comply with the code.

Apple would almost certainly be considered to have strategic market status, and the most likely target of the powers would be Apple’s App Store.

Digital Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “We will give our new Digital Markets Unit the powers it needs to sustain competition and drive growth and innovation, with hefty penalties to ensure the largest tech companies abide by the rules. “.

Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said: “Nobody wants to see an unassailable monopoly and our common sense reforms will help protect consumers, support new innovative ideas and level the conditions for business.”

Rocio Concha, which one? The director of Policy and Advocacy said: “It will be critical that the government provides the new Digital Markets Unit with the tools it needs, including strong oversight and strong enforcement powers to punish companies that act anti-competitive.”

A public consultation on the proposed new antitrust powers will be carried out.

Photo: Hugo Sousa / Unsplash

FTC: We use automatic affiliate links to earn income. More.

Check out 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news:

[ad_2]