A new pro-competition regime for digital markets

Digital technologies are positively transforming the way we work, access information and stay in touch with loved ones. A thriving digital economy is at the heart of the government’s vision for long-term economic growth.

In this consultation, the government sets out its proposals for a new pro-competition regime for digital markets. Through these reforms the government will drive greater dynamism in our tech sector, empower consumers and drive growth across the economy. This digital competition consultation is the latest step towards the establishment of a new regulatory regime for digital markets. The government’s proposed approach builds on recommendations by the Digital Competition Expert Panel, chaired by Professor Jason Furman and is informed by advice from the Digital Markets Taskforce.

In the consultation, we are seeking feedback on the government’s proposals for the regime including:

• the criteria and mechanisms that will identify which firms fall within scope of the regime
• the objectives for the Digital Markets Unit and how it will work with other regulators
• our approach to a new code of conduct to promote open choices, fair trading and trust and transparency
• our approach to ‘pro-competition interventions’ that will address the root causes of market power
• the powers that the Digital Markets Unit will need to ensure the regime is effective
• the changes being considered for a distinct merger regime for firms within scope of the regime

Accompanying the consultation is the associated Impact Assessment of the government’s proposals. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has also published two research reports related to this consultation.

The government is also launching a wider consultation on other reforms to the competition and consumer protection system, to ensure that the framework supports growth and productivity for both businesses and consumers. You may also be interested in responding to this.

Who we are seeking to consult with:

We are seeking views on these proposals from the widest possible audience to ensure that a wide range of views are gathered. We are particularly interested in views from:

• start-ups, charities and small businesses; especially those that rely on firms with potential ‘strategic market status’
• large and small technology companies, advertisers, publishers and representative organisations
• investors in technology companies
• civil society organisations focused on consumer rights, digital rights, privacy and data protection, and vulnerable people
• academics, and research and policy organisations with a particular interest in the role of digital competition in the economy and society
• organisations with an international competition or economic regulation focus
• law firms and providers of other professional business services

We encourage respondents to consider the questions posed throughout this document and to provide facts and reasoning to inform the development of our proposals. We are also seeking evidence on the expected costs and benefits of the proposals set out in this consultation; specific questions have been included in the Impact Assessment.

This consultation is on a UK-wide basis. However, we welcome responses from organisations and individuals across the UK and internationally.

How to respond

The easiest way to respond to the consultation and Impact Assessment is to use our online surveys below:

Consultation response survey

Impact assessment response survey

If you have any difficulty submitting your response to the consultation through the survey, please email: digital-competition-consultation@dcms.gov.uk.

If you have any difficulty submitting your response to the impact assessment through the survey platform, please email: digital-competition-IA@dcms.gov.uk.