News in brief: CMA Publishes Provisional Findings Against Apple; Alibaba Merges E-Commerce Operations; AUS Introduces Social Media Ban Bill for Under 16s 

CMA Publishes Provisional Findings Against Apple

Following an inquiry into the mobile browser market, the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority has released provisional findings concluding that they are “not working well for UK businesses and millions of phone users.” Most of the concerns identified in the report relate to Apple’s policies. The report states that “Apple Apple’s policies are holding back innovation in the browsers we use to access the web on mobile phones.” The report recommends the board to consider investigating both Apple and Google mobile ecosystem activities using new digital markets powers. (The inquiry also looked at the cloud gaming market, although it did not propose further action as its primary concerns have already been addressed). 

Alibaba Merges E-Commerce Operations

In APAC, Alibaba Group has formed a new business group to integrate its domestic and overseas e-commerce platforms. Through the formation of the new group, the conglomerate aims to better leverage its e-commerce resources, and as well as supporting the smaller companies to expand into new markets. The new group will include Taobao, Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group, and Indle Fish, among others. 

AUS Introduces Bill Banning Social Media for Under 16s 

Elsewhere in the APAC region, Australia’s bill banning social media for under 16s has been introduced. The bill has bipartisan support and is very likely to be passed before the end of the year. The law would come into force in late 2025. If found breaking the law, social media platforms would face fines of up to AUS $50m (£26m). The bill outlines that under 16s would still have access to YouTube, as well as messaging services, online gaming and services related to health and education. How proof-of-age would be demonstrated is yet to be determined, however, the government has contracted a British consortium headed by the Age Check Certification Scheme to consider suitable technologies. As the world watches and becomes involved in the discussion, UK MP Peter Kyle has assured that a ban for under 16s is “not on the cards at the moment”.