Britain Conducts A Deepest Investigation Of The Domination Of The Apple And Google Browser

JAKARTA - The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has just launched an in-depth investigation into the dominance of mobile browsers as well as Apple and Google cloud gaming services, which harm customers.

"Many UK businesses and web developers have told us they feel they are being held back by restrictions set by Apple and Google. When the new Digital Market regime is implemented, it will most likely address this kind of problem," CMA's interim Chief Executive, Sarah Cardell said in a statement.

Previously, CMA in June conducted a year-long study of the market for mobile software, hardware, and services.

Based on its findings, Apple and Google have a strong grip on operating systems, app stores, and web browsers on mobile devices. At the time, CMA said it would open a more in-depth investigation.

Now, the investigation has begun and must be completed in no more than 18 months. In the investigation, CMA will see how Apple and Google dominate the mobile browser market and how Apple limits cloud gaming. through its App Store.

Web developers, cloud gaming service providers, and browser vendors have offered substantial support for the investigation, according to the results of a consultation last June released by CMA.

They claim the status quo limits innovation and have added unnecessary costs to their business. Developers also complain that Apple's restrictions complicate the creation of innovative new apps for British customers, and they are forced to deal with disruptions and bugs when creating web pages.

Later, the CMA can choose to impose a recovery, such as demanding changes in the way certain products are sold, requiring business unit divestment, or urging the abolition of anti-competitive restrictions.

"We are using our existing strengths to address the issues where we can. We plan to investigate whether the concerns we hear are correct and, if so, identify measures to increase competition and innovation in this sector," Cardell said.

A Google spokesperson said Android gives people more choices of apps and app stores than other mobile platforms.

It also allows developers to choose the browser engine they want, and has become the launch pad for millions of apps.

"We are committed to building a growing open platform that empowers consumers and helps developers build successful businesses," said a Google spokesperson quoted by CNBC International, Wednesday, November 23.