UK regulators: Apple and Google strip users of their choice

Financial Associated Press (Shanghai, editor Niu Zhanlin) news, the United Kingdom's antitrust regulator "Competition and Markets Authority" (CMA) released a preliminary report on Tuesday local time, Google and Apple have strong control over how users use mobile phones, depriving the system of any meaningful choice, and may lead to higher user costs.

Previously, the CMA investigated Apple and Google's excessive control over operating systems, app stores, and web browsers. The agency said the two companies were able to harness their market power to form their own "ecosystem."

The statement, which with the support of the British government, has stepped up scrutiny of the exercise of power by big tech companies in an increasingly networked world, is the latest warning to those businesses.

Earlier on Tuesday, some British lawmakers said major changes were needed to be made to the country's upcoming cybersecurity bill, accusing big tech companies of being lawless and proposing more controls.

The CMA said it would consult on the preliminary findings of Apple and Google and would welcome a response by Feb. 7. The agency is expected to release its final report in June.

CMA President Andrea Coscelli said britain's "latest mechanism to promote competition" would level the playing field for tech giants and small businesses.

But Apple says its ecosystem provides security and privacy protections that enable businesses to sell goods and create jobs. "Apple believes that in a thriving and dynamic market, innovation can flourish."

Google says Android gives people more options than any other mobile platform when it comes to deciding which apps and app stores to use.

Google says its ecosystem provides nearly 250,000 jobs for people in the UK, and most developers will have reduced their incomes as a result of these recent changes. "We are committed to building a thriving, open platform that empowers consumers and helps developers succeed," the company said.

The CMA's report lays out a range of options, including making it easier for users to switch between Apple's iOS and Google's Android phones without losing the associated features or data.

The CMA is also looking at whether users can install apps through ways other than Apple's App Store or Google's Play Store.