Britain’s competition watchdog on Tuesday launched an in-depth investigation into the dominance of mobile browsers from Apple and Google.
Responses to a consultation it launched in June revealed “substantial support” for further investigation into the issue and whether iPhone maker Apple is restricting cloud gaming through its app store, the Authority Competition and Markets (CMA)
“Many UK businesses and web developers tell us they feel held back by the restrictions imposed by Apple and Google,” CMA acting chief executive Sarah Cardell said in a statement.
“We plan to investigate whether the concerns we heard are justified and if so, identify measures to improve competition and innovation in these sectors.”
Google said its Android mobile operating system gives users more apps and app stores to choose from than any other mobile platform.
“It also allows developers to choose any browser engine they want and has been the launch pad for millions of apps,” a spokesperson said.
“We are committed to building open and thriving platforms that empower consumers and help developers build successful businesses.”
Apple said it would engage “constructively” with the CMA to explain how its approach “promotes competition and choice while ensuring consumer privacy and security are protected.”
U.S. tech giants, including Google’s owner Alphabet and Apple, are drawing increasing attention from competition regulators in Brussels, London and elsewhere.
Google’s Play Store is the subject of separate investigations by anti-trust authorities in the EU and Britain; the company said last month
