Competition Markets Authority
Case timetable
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 11 February 2022 | CMA commitments decision published and case closure. Implementation of commitments commences |
| December 2021 to February 2022 | CMA consideration of representations received in response to the consultation on modified commitments |
| 26 November 2021 to 17 December 2021 | Modified commitments consultation period |
| 26 November 2021 | Consultation opened on modified commitments proposed by Google |
| October to November 2021 | CMA consideration of possible modifications to the commitments offered by Google |
| June to September 2021 | CMA consideration of representations received in response to the consultation on commitments |
| 11 June 2021 to 8 July 2021 | Commitments consultation period |
| 11 June 2021 | Consultation opened on commitments proposed by Google |
| January 2021 to July 2021 | Initial investigation: information gathering, including issue of formal or informal information requests. CMA analysis and review of information gathered |
| January 2021 | Investigation opened |
Change log
The following changes have been made to the case timetable since it was first published in January 2021:
| Date of change | Reason for change | Change made to timetable |
|---|---|---|
| 26 November 2021 | The CMA is consulting on modified commitments offered by Google | Dates for modified commitments consultation period and estimated date for CMAs consideration of representations received in response to the consultation on modified commitments |
| 15 October 2021 | Additional stage needed, to consider possible modifications to the commitments offered by Google | Estimated time needed for correspondence with Google about possible modifications to the commitments offered by Google |
| 30 July 2021 | Additional time needed to analyse representations | Estimated date for CMAs consideration of representations received in response to the consultation on commitments |
| 11 June 2021 | The CMA is consulting on commitments offered by Google | Date for commitments consultation period and estimated date for CMAs consideration of representations received in response to the consultation on commitments |
Case information
In February 2022, the CMA accepted commitments from Google (PDF, 141KB) to address its competition concerns resulting from its CA98 investigation into Googles proposals to remove third-party cookies and other functionalities from its Chrome browser. These commitments involve the CMA working with Google on the design and assessment of the Privacy Sandbox proposals before a final decision is taken to remove third-party cookies from Chrome. This page includes updates on implementation of the commitments, including regular update reports from the CMA and Google, and other relevant information for market participants.
Progress reports
Fourth quarterly reports 2022
On 31 January 2023, the CMA published its latest update report on the implementation of Googles Privacy Sandbox commitments (PDF, 141KB) accepted by the CMA in February 2022. This report sets out the progress made to date and highlights areas of focus where potential concerns have been raised, including through feedback from the wider industry.
- (31.1.23)
The report incorporates the findings from the Monitoring Trustees Q4 report, and includes a number of specific questions where we would most value input from interested third parties. We can be reached by email at privacysandbox@cma.gov.uk.
Weve also published Googles Q4 report on its compliance with the binding commitments accepted by the CMA. The report covers the period from 1 October 2022 to 31 December 2022.
- (31.1.23)
Under the commitments, Google is required to report on the progress of the Privacy Sandbox proposals, updated timing expectations, its interactions with the CMA and third parties, including on the testing of proposals, as well as the approach taken to address concerns raised. We are publishing the full report to inform third parties of developments on the Privacy Sandbox and progress in implementing the commitments. The commitments put in place a framework within which Google will develop and test the Privacy Sandbox proposals.
We have a role in supervising Google to ensure that the Privacy Sandbox is developed in a way that benefits consumers. As part of this role, we have continued to engage with Google on the design and development of the proposals, raising concerns as appropriate and ensuring that these are addressed in a timely manner.
The Information Commissioners Office has been closely involved in this process, given that the aim is to ensure that both competition and privacy are protected. We have also engaged with industry stakeholders who are playing an important part in shaping the development of the proposals.
Third quarterly reports 2022
On 27 October 2022, the CMA published its second update report on the implementation of Googles Privacy Sandbox commitments (PDF, 141KB) accepted by the CMA in February 2022. The report incorporates the findings from the Monitoring Trustees Q3 report.
- (27.10.22)
We also published Googles Q3 report on its compliance with the binding commitments accepted by the CMA. The report covers the period from 1 July 2022 to 30 September 2022.
- (27.10.22)
Second quarterly reports 2022
On 28 July 2022, the CMA published its first update report on the implementation of Googles Privacy Sandbox commitments (PDF, 141KB) accepted by the CMA in February 2022. The report incorporates the findings from the Monitoring Trustees Q2 report.
- (28.7.22)
Weve also published Googles Q2 report on its compliance with the binding commitments accepted by the CMA. The report covers the period from 1 April 2022 to 30 June 2022.
- (28.7.22)
First quarterly reports 2022
On 16 May 2022, Google provided us with its first report on its compliance with the binding commitments accepted by the CMA (PDF, 141KB) on 11 February 2022. The report covers the period from 11 February 2022 to 11 May 2022.