United Kingdom: Competition and Markets Authority closes consultation on proposed commitments by Google to improve fairness in app store processes

On 3 March 2026, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) closes the consultation on proposed commitments by Google intended to improve certainty, transparency, and fairness for United Kingdom businesses dependent on app stores. The package covers app review and app ranking, requiring fair, objective, and transparent processes and non-discrimination against competing apps, and covers safeguards for developer app data gathered during app review, including commitments not to use the data unfairly. The CMA will monitor implementation and report publicly using metrics including the proportion of apps submitted for review, approved, rejected, and appealed, the time taken for app review, and the number of complaints received and outcomes. The proposals are described as the first changes secured following the strategic market status (SMS) designation in October last year, form part of an ongoing programme of work with further measures expected in the coming months, and include an indication that formal conduct requirements would be imposed if implementation is ineffective. The commitments are stated to take effect from 1 April 2026, subject to views.