Overview
- The Competition and Markets Authority designated Google’s Android, Play Store, Chrome and Blink with strategic market status under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act.
- The designation is not a finding of wrongdoing and brings no immediate requirements, but the CMA will consult on specific conduct obligations with proposals expected before the end of the year.
- The regulator cites an effective duopoly by Apple and Google in UK smartphones and flags concerns over unpredictable app reviews, inconsistent app‑store rankings and commissions of up to 30%.
- Google called the decision “disappointing, disproportionate and unwarranted,” warned of uncertain new rules, and argued Android’s openness benefits consumers and UK developers, citing £9.9bn in revenue and 457,000 jobs.
- Apple was also labeled with strategic status for its mobile platform and cautioned that EU‑style measures could weaken privacy and security and fragment the user experience.