LONDON – Today the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) published its interim report on mobile app ecosystems, concluding that consumers and developers are “losing out because of Apple and Google’s duopoly”. This is another key step toward achieving a competitive and fair online app marketplace and further highlights the need for app store reform around the globe.
“The CMA is the latest policy-making body to denounce gatekeepers’ ‘vice-like grip’ on payments and app distribution,” said Meghan DiMuzio, executive director of the Coalition for App Fairness. “This interim report demonstrates that requiring in-app purchases to be made through app store providers distorts competition and prevents developers from using payment solutions that would better meet their needs and those of their users.”
“We are also encouraged to see the CMA reject the false claims that opening up the app store ecosystem jeopardizes innovation – to the contrary, it concludes that current app store practices actually stifle development of new, disruptive app business models. Governments worldwide should consider this report’s recommended interventions to level the playing field for developers and give consumers greater choice and better prices.”
Representing over 60 app businesses and developers, CAF will continue to support the work of the UK CMA as it now pursues a stakeholder consultation early next year and completes its final report on mobile ecosystems by June, to ensure that the testimonies of its members are heard.
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About the Coalition for App Fairness
The Coalition for App Fairness is an independent nonprofit organization formed to protect consumer choice, foster competition, and create a level playing field for all app and game developers globally. Originally formed by Basecamp, Blix, Blockchain.com, Deezer, Epic Games, the European Publishers Council, Match Group, News Media Europe, Prepear, Protonmail, Skydemon, Spotify, and Tile, CAF has rapidly grown from 13 to over 60 members since launching in September 2020. CAF offers membership to companies of any size — join today at appfairness.org.
CAF Contact
Rick VanMeter
[email protected]