The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has outlined its plan for implementing a new ex ante framework for regulating digital markets under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCC). The guidance aims to demonstrate how the regulator intends to utilize the digital markets competition regime in a manner that is described as “flexibly, proportionately and collaboratively.”
Commenting on the CMA's announcement, Matthew Sinclair, Senior Director and head of the London office for the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA), expressed approval of the approach. He stated, “This announcement from the CMA is a welcome commitment to proportionality in its implementation of the new digital markets regime. It is quite right that the UK regulator should ensure its decisions are focused on the needs of UK consumers and avoid disrupting complex global digital ecosystems with premature or overly broad interventions.”
Sinclair emphasized the importance of the CMA’s decisions being carefully considered, saying, “The proof will now be in the pudding. Hopefully, the CMA will reassure companies operating important digital services and investing in the UK with careful and proportionate use of its new powers in the announcements expected in the coming months.”
The new framework is intended to guide how the CMA will regulate digital markets, focusing on maintaining a balance that addresses consumer needs without hindering digital ecosystems globally.