Core Viewpoint - The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has identified Apple and Google's mobile platforms as holding an effective duopoly, prompting the proposal of new guidelines to enhance competition and innovation in the U.K. market [1][2]. Group 1: CMA Findings - The CMA's investigation revealed concerns from businesses and consumers regarding "inconsistent and unpredictable" app review processes, which can lead to uncertainty for developers and delayed or failed app launches [2]. - The regulator also noted "inconsistent app store search rankings," which may favor apps owned by Apple and Google, alongside commissions of up to 30% on certain in-app purchases and restrictions on developers directing customers outside the app stores [3]. Group 2: Proposed Conduct Requirements - The CMA's proposed requirements may allow app developers to guide users to better offers outside the two app stores, providing consumers with "a genuine choice over the services they use on their devices" [4]. - The CMA's new digital markets competition regime, effective from January 1, enables the designation of companies with "strategic market status" and the imposition of conduct requirements to promote competition [5]. Group 3: Industry Reactions - Google expressed disappointment over the CMA's announcement, arguing that Android has saved developers significant time and costs, and emphasized the need for evidence-based regulation that does not hinder growth in the U.K. [4]. - An Apple spokesperson raised concerns that the proposed rules could undermine user privacy and security, hinder innovation, and compel the company to share its technology with foreign competitors [4].

Core Viewpoint - The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is proposing to designate Google with "strategic market status" to address its dominance in online search, which could lead to special regulatory requirements [3][4]. Group 1: Regulatory Actions - The CMA's proposal aims to tackle Google's significant market power in the search engine sector, which has raised concerns about its impact on consumers and businesses [4][6]. - The CMA's investigation into Google's market position was initiated in January, following the implementation of the UK's Digital Markets Competition Regime in 2025 [5][6]. Group 2: Market Impact - Google Search holds over 90% of online inquiries in the UK, indicating its substantial influence in the market [7]. - More than 200,000 businesses in the UK depend on Google search advertising to connect with customers, highlighting the platform's critical role in the business ecosystem [7]. Group 3: Proposed Changes - The CMA is considering changes to enhance market openness and competition, including making default choice screens for search services a legal requirement [6]. - Another proposal involves ensuring that Google's ranking and presentation of search results are fair and non-discriminatory [6]. Group 4: Industry Response - Google has expressed concerns regarding the CMA's broad and unfocused considerations, emphasizing the potential negative implications for UK businesses and consumers [5][7]. - Google claims that its services contribute billions of pounds annually to the UK economy, underscoring the positive impact of its search platform [5].