NMA Welcomes CMA SMS Investigations Into Google And Apple’s Mobile Ecosystems

Responding to the Competition and Markets Authority’s announcement this morning that it has launched SMS investigations into Google and Apple’s mobile ecosystems, News Media Association chief executive Owen Meredith said: “The CMA has a critical role to play in creating a fairer playing field in the digital markets, delivering sustainable growth for our economy while protecting UK consumers and our brilliant creative sectors.  

“The regulator’s announcement this morning about SMS investigations into Google and Apple’s mobile ecosystems is a welcome next step in that vital stream of work. Most of us depend on our phones for communication as well as to shop, access to news, information and entertainment – the control these two gatekeeper firms have is rightly to be investigated to ensure that power is not being abused to give consumers and businesses a raw deal. 

“The government – which supported the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill and its objectives while in Opposition – must give its full and unequivocal backing to the work of the Digital Markets Unit and a thriving digital economy in the UK.”