GovWire

Case timetable

Change log

The case timetable was extended a number of times after it was first published.

Case closure

21 August 2024: The CMA closed its Competition Act 1998 investigation into Googles conduct in relation to Googles distribution of apps on Android devices in the UK on administrative priority grounds.

The reasons for closing the investigation are set out in the CMAs case closure statement.

• Case closure statement (PDF, 116KB)
• Press notice: CMA looks to new digital markets competition regime to resolve app store concerns

Decision not to accept commitments

21 August 2024: Having considered representations received in response to the 2023 commitments consultation, the CMA decided that it would not be appropriate to accept the commitments offered by Google.

• Decision not to accept commitments (PDF, 293KB)

Consultation on commitments

19 April 2023: The CMA published a notice of intention to accept commitments offered by Google and invited representations from interested third parties on the proposed commitments. The CMA will consider any representations made in response to the consultation before making a final decision on whether or not to accept the proposed commitments.

• Consultation on proposed commitments regarding changes to Google Plays rules to allow certain app developers to use alternative billing systems for in-app purchases (19.4.23)
• Press release: App developers on Google Play Store offered payment choices following CMA probe (19.4.23)

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 Google Plays rules which oblige app developers offering digital content to use Google Plays own billing system 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.

Personal data

The CMA may collect, use and share personal data for its investigations, including investigations under the Competition Act 1998. This includes processing personal data for the purposes of the UK General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018. You can find more information about how the CMA handles personal information in the CMAs Personal Information Charter.

Contacts

• Assistant Director: Amanda Adams, amanda.adams@cma.gov.uk
• Assistant Director: Nicholas Scola, Nicholas.Scola@cma.gov.uk
• Project Director: Geoff Steadman, Geoff.Steadman@cma.gov.uk
• Senior Responsible Officer: Ann Pope, ann.pope@cma.gov.uk