UK Gears for Anti-Competition Reform to Address Big Tech Dominance

The UK is set to introduce ex-ante competition reform aimed at reducing the market dominance of big tech firms, according to a report by TechCrunch. The government is also planning to strengthen consumer rights by targeting fake reviews and subscription traps.

The move will make it easier for web users to shop online and extricate themselves from unwanted contracts. The new legislation will empower the Digital Markets Unit (DMU) to oversee platforms that have "strategic market status".

Ex-ante Competition Reform

Earlier this year, Germany made updates to its domestic regulations and has initiated multiple probes and enforcements against companies such as Amazon, Apple, Google, and Meta.

Last year, European Union lawmakers agreed on the Digital Markets Act, which includes a proactive oversight regime for internet gatekeepers, as noted by TechCrunch.

The implementation of the ex-ante competition reform is scheduled for later this year. However, the delay has caused difficulties for the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

The CMA had anticipated that the enforcement powers of the Digital Markets Unit (DMU) would be established earlier.

As a result, when the regulator attempted to investigate Apple's mobile web browser and cloud gaming service, it sought to reverse its decision to wait for new powers.

Ex-ante competition reform is essential due to the fundamental problem of the delayed and receptive response of traditional competition forces to market power in the digital sector, which benefits from potent concentration dynamics like network effects.

By allowing the CMA to actively enforce consumer law, the measure attempts to reduce the amount of time it takes for competition intervention.

Different Approach

The UK will take a different approach to ex-ante competition reform than the EU. The government wants the DMU to create custom guidelines for each company in question rather than a list of operational "dos and don'ts."

According to the government, this will guarantee that regulation is appropriate and prevent the possibility of overregulation. The Act would establish guidelines that will stop companies with Strategic Market Status from limiting digital innovation or market access with their size and influence.

Additionally, there will be tougher punishments for breaking consumer legislation, with maximum fines of 10% of global turnover.

The CMA is pleased with the flagship legislation because it gives it more authority to safeguard people, businesses, and the economy. The law might represent a turning point in how consumers are protected in the UK and how digital marketplaces function for the UK economy.