Google calls CMA decision ‘disappointing, disproportionate and unwarranted’

In a blog post, Google stated: “Today the CMA designated Google’s ‘Mobile Platform’ (Android, Play, Chrome, Blink) with ‘strategic market status’. This decision is disappointing, disproportionate and unwarranted. The UK’s new digital markets regime was introduced with the promise of being pro-growth and pro-innovation, with the CMA emphasising that its work would be highly targeted and proportionate. In this context, we simply do not see the rationale for today’s designation decision. Android and Chrome were built on the idea of creating more choice, not less. Anyone, including our competitors, can customise and build devices with the open-source Android operating system – for free. And while Google Play helps people download apps on their devices, if you don’t find the app you’re looking for, you can download apps from a rival store or directly from a developer’s website – something the majority of Android users actually do, and something other mobile platforms restrict… Following the CMA’s decision today, our mobile business in the UK faces a set of new – and, as of yet, uncertain – rules. The CMA’s next steps will be crucial if the UK’s digital markets regime is to meet its promise of being pro-growth and pro-innovation.”