The simultaneous investigations undertaken by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) into Apple and Google’s mobile platforms represent a significant step undertaken in the Digital markets Consumer and Competition Act (DMCCA) era. While both companies face proposed Strategic Market Status (SMS) designation, their fundamentally different business models and competitive strategies have produced distinct regulatory challenges […]
Google SMS Designation responses – A comprehensive analysis
by Anush Ganesh 27 Stakeholders Responded to the Google’s proposed SMS designation decision The Competition and Markets Authority’s consultation on designating Google Search with Strategic Market Status has concluded with one of the first stakeholder responses in the UK’s DMCCA chapter. Twenty-seven organizations ranging from Google itself to independent publishers, airlines to academic institutions have […]
The DMCCA in Action
The United Kingdom’s approach to digital market regulation has undergone a significant transformation in 2025. What began as legislative theory in May 2024 with the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCCA) receiving Royal Assent has evolved into a sophisticated regulatory framework delivering tangible results. As we reach 20 August 2025, the close of consultation […]
The Second Round of DMA Compliance Workshops – Compliance Progress or Slowdown?
During the last days, we witnessed the second round of the most public aspect of DMA enforcement: the DMA Compliance Workshops. Now in their second year, these events are shaping up to be an annual tradition in which the Commission convenes gatekeepers, their business users, competitors, and other stakeholders. The contrast between last year’s buzz […]
The idealo-founder speaks: Google Shopping, the DMA, and the future of the Internet – Interview with Albrecht von Sonntag
The aftershocks of the European Court of Justice’s Google Shopping judgement were still noticeable over the last couple of weeks. Unsurprising given the decade-long run up and built-up suspense to the judgement. There could be no better time to interview Albrecht von Sonntag, internet pioneer and co-founder of the Berlin-based online price comparison platform idealo […]
Winners & losers: Game, set and match in Google Shopping?
Last week was the official conclusion to the Google Shopping Saga. The Court of Justice ruled that self-preferencing is indeed a stand-alone abuse by validating the theory of harm put forward by the Commission. With the ruling against Ireland in their long-running Apple state aid tax case, the week was a shining conclusion of Margrethe […]