United Kingdom: Announced creation of Digital Markets Unit within competition authority
Description
Announced creation of Digital Markets Unit within competition authority
On 27 November 2020, the UK Government announces that the new Digital Markets Unit (DMU) will be set up within the UK Competition Authority. The DMU is set to regulate big tech companies like Facebook and Google, platforms with "strategic market status." Furthermore, the DMU is intended to reduce the market dominance of these companies. In addition, the DMU will also pursue consumer privacy protection and fight anti-competitive behaviour by big technology companies. Means of curbing anti-competitive behaviour include include the creation of codes of conduct and other guidance, which may be turned into law in the future.
Original sourceScope
Policy Area
Competition
Policy Instrument
Competition authority governance
Regulated Economic Activity
online advertising provider, platform intermediary: user-generated content, platform intermediary: e-commerce, search service provider, platform intermediary: other
Implementation Level
national
Government Branch
executive
Government Body
competition authority
Key regulatory dimensions
Regulated subjects
The businesses, government agencies or individuals affected by this policy or regulatory change.
producer / supplier
1
Type
Private organisation
Economic activity
platform intermediary: user-generated content
Category
All
Policy change by business practice
The detailed activities within the scope of this policy or regulatory change.
digital good (any form): TBR - see policy instrument
Regulatory tool
Creation of enforcement authority
Sanctions
Regulated subjects
1