The UK mobile browsers market “does not work well for consumers and companies” according to a final report from the British Competition Control Authority, which says Apple and Google bear the blame largely.
Independent inquiry group The investigation of mobile browsers has concluded For competition and markets (CMA), defining Apple, Safari and Webkit policies, which makes it difficult for web surfers of the external competition and market restriction as a result. Google Android Ecosystem is also complicit in obstruction of competition, according to the CMA report, albeit to a lower extent.
the Issues that have been marked through the investigation Include the Apple that requires all browsers on iOS to run on the Webkit Browser engine, allowing Safari’s preferential access to features compared to the competing web browsers, and the restrictions on browsing inside the application, and the SAFARI view was pre -installed and displayed prominently as the virtual browser on iPhones. While users can change IPhone web browsing appInvestigators say the appointment of Safari as the pre -installed virtual on iPhone reduces users’ awareness of alternative applications.
Investigators have found similar concerns about pre -installation of chrome as a virtual web browser on the vast majority of Android devices. However, the report notes that both Apple and Google have taken steps to facilitate users to switch to alternative browsers since the investigation announced its temporary results in November, which “dealt with some, but not all, of concerns about the structure of selection.”
Apple and Google did not respond after we asked to comment on the CMA report.
the CMA put up potential treatments It aims to improve competition in the UK’s mobile browser market, which includes forcing Apple to allow developers to use alternative browser engines on iOS, and requires Apple and Google to provide a browser selection screen while preparing the device, and prohibiting the CHROME revenue sharing arrangements between the two companies. These suggestions are currently not implemented, however, they can change in the coming months.
SMS companies can be imposed through “behavior requirements” that aim to address anti -competition behavior, and risk fines of up to 10 percent of their annual rotation rate to violate DMCC rules. If Apple or Google is set with SMS, the investigation of a mobile browser encourages CMA to “think about imposing appropriate interventions”, similar to the determined suggestions. Google and Apple SMS investigations are currently continuing and are expected to conclude later this year.
“After our in -depth investigation, we concluded that the competition between different mobile browsers does not work well, and this hinders innovation in the United Kingdom,” said Margot Dali, head of the CMA independent investigation group. “I welcome the quick procedure for CMA to open the strategic market status investigations in both Apple and Google mobile systems. The comprehensive analysis that we identified today will help this work with its progress.”
