United Kingdom: Competition and Markets Authority closes consultation on proposed decision to designate Google as having strategic market status

On 20 August 2025, the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) closes the consultation on the proposed decision to designate Google as having Strategic Market Status (SMS). The decision applies to Google's Mobile Platform activities including Android, Google Play Store, and Chrome browsers. The CMA provisionally found that Google has substantial and entrenched market power with limited competitive constraints, citing concerns over app review processes and high commission rates up to 30%. It also cited concerns on potential self-preferencing, and restrictive agreements with device manufacturers that may harm UK consumers and the app economy. The consultation sought feedback on its proposed definition of Google’s mobile platform, its competitive constraints, market power, and barriers to entry. It also sought inputs on the evidence and conclusions about Google’s strategic significance and market dominance.