London – The Competition and Markets Authority has proposed new conduct requirements for Apple and Google’s mobile ecosystems, which would constrain their ability to control developers’ “steering” consumers to transact outside app store infrastructure and regulate the fees app stores then charge. CMA has also proposed new regulations around access to features used for mobile wallets in Apple smartphones. All of these new requirements will be subject to consultation, closing in late July, before any final conduct requirements are imposed.
The following can be attributed to CCIA Senior Director and head of CCIA’s London office, Matthew Sinclair:
“Consumers and developers have benefited enormously from the choice, security, and convenience provided by app stores. App store operators are already working globally to provide developers with more options and, in many cases, lower fees. CMA should have worked with that process, sticking with their promise of proportionate regulation. Undermining the role consumers expect app stores to play and regulating prices will create uncertainty, frustrate innovation, and expose consumers to new risks.”
