Wide ranging reforms to UK competition and consumer protection regimes unveiled

On 20 April 2022 the UK government published its response to the consultation launched in July 2021, proposing a wide range of far-reaching changes to the UK competition and consumer protection regimes (see our blog post on the consultation here). Taking into account the feedback received from stakeholders on the various proposals, the government has … Read more

The European Commission publishes final report on consumer Internet of Things sector inquiry

On 20 January 2022 the European Commission (“Commission“) published its final report on the consumer Internet of Things (“IoT“) sector inquiry, largely confirming its preliminary findings issued in July 2021. These include concerns around high market entry barriers, the influence on the market of a small number of vertically integrated players, and issues around access … Read more

CMA launches market study into the electric vehicle charging sector in the UK

The CMA has today (2 December 2020) launched a market study into the electric vehicle charging sector in the UK. The study will consider two broad themes: how to develop a competitive sector while also attracting private investment to help the sector grow; how to ensure people using electric vehicle chargepoints have confidence that they … Read more

UK Government endorses the CMA’s recommendations for pro-competitive measures in online platforms and digital advertising

On 27 November 2020, the UK Government published its response to the CMA’s recommendations set out in its final report of its market study into online platforms and digital advertising (the “Final Report”). The Government broadly endorses the CMA’s recommendations, though it identifies the need for further evidence and analysis before granting the full scope … Read more

Online Platforms and Digital Advertising – the CMA’s market study final report

In July 2020, the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (“CMA”) published its market study final report “Online platforms and digital advertising” (“Report”) (see the Report here). The Report includes significant recommendations on the future regulation of platforms funded by digital advertising, with the CMA calling for the adoption of new UK legislation to provide for additional regulatory … Read more

New market investigation regime for the EU?

The Commission’s 2020 updated working programme provides for a legislative proposal for a new “ex ante competition tool” to be put forward before the end of 2020, in the context of its digital markets strategy. At this stage no further details as to the nature of the new tool are available, but Commissioner Vestager has … Read more