ACT | The App Association has expressed ongoing concerns about the potential unintended consequences of the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) proposed roadmaps for Apple and Google’s mobile ecosystems. These proposals fall under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCCA). While the CMA's pause on requiring access for third-party app stores and sideloading is acknowledged as a positive step by small app developers, other issues remain.
Small technology and software companies are key contributors to the £38.4 billion app economy in the UK, supporting 400,000 jobs across various sectors. This information is highlighted in "The App Economy in Europe" report referenced by CMA.
Stephen Tulip, UK country manager for ACT | The App Association, stated: “Today’s proposals still have significant issues for small developers; however, it’s worth noting that the CMA, with its pause on third party app stores and sideloading, recognizes the potential harm alternative app distribution methods pose for consumers’ security and trust in curated online marketplaces (COMs). Our UK members, and other small developers like them, depend on the trust that consumers have in COMs.”
Tulip emphasized concerns about security risks related to proposed AI and interoperability interventions. He also noted that small app developers rely heavily on tools provided by COMs such as data security, subscription management, and privacy protection to manage overhead costs effectively.
“Calls for these problematic interventions are coming from huge multi-national companies with billions in revenue each year,” he continued. “Small tech companies have built the vibrant and competitive app economy that these larger companies benefit from.”
Tulip concluded with optimism about future engagement with CMA: “We look forward to engaging with the CMA on these roadmaps to ensure they deliver for all developers in the ecosystem.”