Competition Markets Authority
Market investigation reference
Issues statement
13 December 2022: The issues statement outlines initial theories on what might be affecting competition and potential remedies. It doesnt set out our findings or conclusions. Parties are invited to provide submissions commenting on the issues and possible remedies.
- (13.12.22)
Invitation to comment on research agencies
1 December 2022: As part of its browsers and cloud gaming market investigation, the CMA intends to carry out research with consumers and web developers. We have identified a number of firms to undertake this research and comments are invited on potential conflicts of interest or any other restriction on the firms suitability to carry out the work.
- (1.12.22)
Consumer research: The central objective for the consumer research is to measure and develop our understanding of consumer behaviour in the mobile browser market, with a particular focus on understanding the drivers of browser choice on smartphone devices. We expect the research will involve both qualitative and quantitative research disciplines and we encourage agencies to propose research methodologies which best address our research objectives.
Web developer research: The central objective for the web developer research is to develop our understanding of the experiences of web developers in relation to browsers and browser engines. We believe qualitative research will be most appropriate for this project but again encourage agencies to propose research approaches which best meet our research objectives.
Inquiry group appointed
22 November 2022: The CMA appointed the inquiry group on 22 November 2022.Margot Daly (Inquiry Chair), Robin Foster, Cyrus Mehta and Claire Whyley.
CMA Board advisory steer
22 November 2022: The CMA Boards advisory steer to the inquiry group can be found below.
- (22.11.22)
Terms of reference
22 November 2022: The terms of reference for the CMAs investigation can be found below.
- (22.11.22)
Decision document
22 November 2022: The decision document for the CMAs investigation can be found below.
- (22.11.22)
Case opened
22 November 2022: The CMA has decided to refer the supply of mobile browsers and mobile browser engines, and the distribution of cloud gaming services through app stores on mobile devices (referred to as mobile browsers and cloud gaming) for an in-depth Phase 2 market investigation.
- Press notice: Investigation into cloud gaming and browsers to support UK tech and consumers (22.11.22)
Responses to the consultation for the proposed market investigation
22 November 2022: Responses can be found on Mobile browsers and cloud gaming: Proposal to make a market reference consultation page.
Our proposal to make a market investigation reference
On 10 June 2022, the CMA published the final report of its market study into mobile ecosystems. In parallel, we are launching a consultation on the proposal to make a market investigation reference into the supply of mobile browsers and mobile browser engines, and the distribution of cloud gaming services through app stores on mobile devices (referred to as mobile browsers and cloud gaming).
We are now inviting responses to this consultation by 22 July 2022.
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(10.6.22)
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(10.6.22)
The final report of the mobile ecosystems market study can be found on the Mobile ecosystems market study case page.
Personal information
The CMA may collect, use and share personal data for its market investigations under the Enterprise Act 2002. This includes processing personal data for the purposes of the UK General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018.
For more information about how the CMA handles personal information, see the CMAs Personal Information Charter.