Amid Ongoing Browser Antitrust Scrutiny In US, UK Might Be Next To Challenge Apple And Google's Duopoly
Amid Ongoing Browser Antitrust Scrutiny In US, UK Might Be Next To Challenge Apple And Google's Duopoly
Apple has contested the CMA's findings, arguing that the proposed interventions could compromise user privacy and security. The CMA plans to make a final decision on the matter by March, while no further action is expected on cloud gaming as previous concerns have been resolved.Amid growing scrutiny over browser monopolies in the United States, the United Kingdom's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is considering launching an investigation into the mobile browser market, focusing on Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Google by Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOGL) (NASDAQ:GOOG). This potential probe could further challenge the duopoly's grip on the market.
在美國關注瀏覽器壟斷問題日益加劇的背景下，英國競爭與市場管理局（CMA）正在考慮對移動瀏覽器市場展開調查，重點關注蘋果公司（納斯達克：AAPL）和字母表公司旗下的谷歌（納斯達克：GOOGL）（納斯達克：GOOG）。這一潛在的調查可能進一步挑戰這兩家公司對市場的控制力。
What Happened: The UK's CMA has raised concerns about the current market dynamics, particularly regarding Apple's policies, Reuters reported on Friday. The inquiry group has provisionally identified issues, suggesting that Apple's rules may hinder innovation by restricting competitors from introducing new features on iPhones. Smaller British app developers reportedly face challenges in fully utilizing progressive web apps due to Apple's device limitations, which offer an alternative to traditional app store downloads.
事件經過：據路透社週五報道，英國CMA對當前市場動態提出了關切，特別是有關蘋果政策的問題。調查組已初步指出問題，表明蘋果的規定可能通過限制競爭對手在iPhone上推出新功能來阻礙創新。據稱，較小的英國應用開發者由於蘋果設備的限制而面臨着充分利用漸進式Web應用的挑戰，這些應用提供了傳統應用商店下載的替代方案。
The report also pointed out a revenue-sharing agreement between Apple and Google, which allegedly reduces their motivation to compete in the mobile browser space on Apple devices. The CMA's Digital Markets Unit, empowered to regulate big tech, is set to address these issues when its new regime begins in January.
報告還指出，蘋果與谷歌之間存在一項分成協議，據稱這一協議減少了它們在蘋果設備上移動瀏覽器領域競爭的動機。CMA的數字市場單位，負責監管大型科技公司，將在明年1月新體制生效時解決這些問題。
Apple has contested the CMA's findings, arguing that the proposed interventions could compromise user privacy and security. The CMA plans to make a final decision on the matter by March, while no further action is expected on cloud gaming as previous concerns have been resolved.
蘋果對CMA的調查結果提出異議，認爲擬議的干預可能危及用戶隱私和安全。CMA計劃在三月份就此事作出最終決定，而在雲遊戲方面不會採取進一步行動，因爲先前的擔憂已經得到解決。
Why It Matters: The potential investigation by the CMA comes at a time when Google is facing significant antitrust scrutiny in the United States. The U.S. Department of Justice has demanded that Alphabet Inc. divest its Chrome browser to dismantle its monopoly on online search. This move is part of broader efforts to restore competition in the search market.
爲什麼重要：CMA的潛在調查正值谷歌在美國面臨重大反壟斷審查之際。美國司法部要求字母表公司剝離Chrome瀏覽器，以打破其在線搜索壟斷地位。此舉是恢復搜索市場競爭的更廣泛努力的一部分。
Additionally, the antitrust ruling threatens Google's lucrative $20 billion agreement with Apple, which makes its search engine the default on iPhones. This agreement has been crucial to Apple's financial performance, highlighting the intertwined interests of these tech giants.
此外，反壟斷裁決威脅到谷歌與蘋果之間的有利可圖的200億美元協議，使其搜索引擎成爲iPhone上的默認選項。這一協議對蘋果的財務表現至關重要，凸顯了這些科技巨頭之間利益的交織關係。
- Alphabet Bleeds Over $120 Billion In Market Value, Eyes Worst Day In 10 Months After DOJ Demands Google Chrome Sale
- 字母在市值上蒸發1200億美元，在美國司法部要求谷歌Chrome的出售後經歷10個月來最糟糕的一天。
Photo Courtesy: Koshiro K On Shutterstock
照片提供：shutterstock上的Koshiro k
譯文內容由第三人軟體翻譯。
