The UK's digital markets competition regime is designed to promote innovation, consumer choice and business growth through targeted, proportionate regulation, according to Will Hayter,
Executive Director for Digital Markets at the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
Speaking at the CompLaw Digital Conference, Hayter said the CMA's priority is to ensure digital markets work fairly for UK consumers and businesses while supporting continued investment and innovation by major technology companies.
"Our focus is not on being the world's toughest digital regulator," Hayter said. "It is on delivering practical changes that improve outcomes for people and businesses in the UK."
Hayter highlighted the flexibility of the UK's Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act, describing it as a framework that enables evidence-based, tailored interventions rather than broad regulation.
He pointed to the CMA's first conduct requirement for Google Search, which gives publishers greater control over how their content is used in AI-powered search services while improving content attribution. The measure was developed through extensive engagement with both Google and publishers.
The CMA also announced new consultations on measures to increase competition in mobile ecosystems. Proposed conduct requirements would allow app developers greater freedom to communicate directly with users outside app stores, while separate proposals aim to expand access to Apple's NFC technology to encourage innovation in digital payments, digital identity and other connected services.
Hayter said the CMA will continue to choose the most effective regulatory tools on a case-by-case basis, using formal interventions where necessary while also pursuing voluntary commitments where they can deliver faster results.
He concluded that the UK's digital markets regime is guided by two principles: protecting competition to benefit consumers and businesses, and applying regulation in a pragmatic, proportionate and collaborative way that keeps pace with rapidly evolving technology.
