European Union: Commission opens consultation on initial findings for antitrust inquiry into consumer Internet of Things

With the publication of its initial findings, the European Commission opens the public consultation in its antitrust inquiry into the consumer Internet of Things (IoT). According to the Commission, a particular concern in this sector is the emergence of "gatekeepers" that may restrict access to service provision on cosumer devices. The concerns raised against vertically integrated companies in that sector relate to potential exclusivity and tying practices, interoperability, data access and other functions tied into the intermediary role such companies play between the service provider and the consumer.