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Britain launched an investigation into Apple and Google’s smartphone operating systems, app stores and browsers on Thursday, its second use of recently bulked up regulatory powers to scrutinise big tech companies.
The Competition and Markets Authority said it would assess whether Apple and Google had “strategic market status” in mobile ecosystems, and the impact they had on users and on businesses developing content and services.
CMA Chief Executive Sarah Cardell said more competitive mobile ecosystems could foster new innovation and new opportunities across a range of services that millions of people use, be they app stores, browsers or operating systems.
Nearly all smartphones sold in Britain run either Apple’s iOSor Google’s Android operating systems, and their respective apps stores and browsers have either exclusive or leading positions on their platforms.
Google’s senior director for competition Oliver Bethell said Android’s openness has helped to expand choice, reduce prices and democratise access to smartphones and apps.
The British regulator said it would look at the extent of competition between the two companies, whether they were using their dominance to favour their own apps and services and whether they were forcing developers to sign up to unfair terms.
It is the second investigation by the CMA using its new powers to scrutinise big tech. Its first, announced earlier this month, was targeted at Google’s search services.