United Kingdom: Published CMA Provisional Approach to Implementing the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill

On 11 January 2024, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) published its provisional approach to implementing Part 1 of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill (DMCC Bill). The DMCC Bill aims to provide the CMA with enhanced tools to address competition barriers in digital markets. The provisional approach outlines the purpose, target outcomes, and key elements of the new Digital Markets competition regime. The regime includes Strategic Market Status designation, Conduct Requirements, Pro-Competition Interventions, Enforcement, and Merger Reporting, with the provisional approach setting out the CMA’s role in within each aspect of this regime. The provisional approach also provides examples of each category of potential harm. The CMA's goals within this regime include ensuring people have choices and receive fair deals, promoting innovation for fair-dealing businesses, and fostering economic growth and productivity. Draft guidance for implementing the DMCC Bill will be published for public consultation after Royal Assent.