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Investigation into suspected anti-competitive conduct by Google

Competition Markets Authority

March 10
11:56 2023

Case Timetable:

Date Action
June 2022 to May 2023 Initial investigation: information gathering, including issue of formal or informal information requests. CMA analysis and review of information gathered.
10 June 2022 Investigation opened

Case Information:

On 10 June 2022, the CMA launched an investigation under Chapter II of the Competition Act 1998 into suspected breaches of competition law by Google. The investigation concerns Googles distribution of apps on Android devices in the UK, in particular Googles Play Store rules which oblige app developers offering digital content to use Googles own payment system (Google Play Billing) for in-app purchases.

Notes:

  • The investigation is under Chapter II of the Competition Act 1998.
  • The CMA has not reached a view as to whether there is sufficient evidence of an infringement of competition law for it to issue a statement of objections to any party under investigation. Not all cases result in the CMA issuing a statement of objections.
  • The CMA will consider any representations it receives before any decision is taken as to whether competition law has in fact been infringed.
  • Further detail of the CMAs procedures in Competition Act 1998 cases is available in CMA8.
  • Changes to the timing of original entries in the case timetable will be made if the estimated timing changes.

Contacts

Published 10 June 2022
Last updated 10 March 2023 +show all updates
  1. Case timetable updated

  2. First published.

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