Britain’s competition watchdog on Tuesday opened an in-depth investigation into the dominance of Apple and Google’s mobile browsers.
Britain’s competition watchdog on Tuesday opened an in-depth investigation into the dominance of Apple and Google’s mobile browsers.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said responses to a consultation launched in June revealed “substantial support” for a fuller investigation into the matter and whether iPhone maker Apple restricts cloud gaming through its app store.
Sarah Carddell, interim chief executive of the CMA, said: “Many UK businesses and web developers tell us they feel stymied by restrictions put in place by Apple and Google.” .
“We intend to investigate whether the concerns we have heard are justified and, if so, identify steps to improve competition and innovation in these areas.”
Google says its Android mobile operating system gives users a wider selection of apps and app stores than any other mobile platform.
“It also allows developers to choose the browser engine they want and has become a launchpad for millions of apps,” the spokesperson said.
“We are committed to building thriving, open platforms that empower consumers and help developers build successful businesses.”
Apple said it would engage “constructively” with the CMA to explain its approach “to promote competition and choice, while ensuring consumer privacy and security are protected.” .
US tech giants, including Google-owned Alphabet and Apple, are attracting growing attention from competition regulators in Brussels, London and elsewhere.
The Google Play Store is the subject of separate investigations by antitrust authorities in the EU and UK, the company said last month.
