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Google competition breach yields massive fine
A Google competition breach has yielded a massive fine imposed by the European Commission over its behaviour surrounding Android phones.
The fine amounts to £3.9bn ($5bn) and is based on Google’s search-related revenue earned during the period the competition breach is said to have taken place.
The investigations into the Google competition breach stem back to 2015 and surround impositions of pre-installed browsers and search apps that it’s claimed has led to users not looking for alternatives, with Google paying huge sums to manufacturers to pre-install its own software.
Are we seeing any changes following the retail banking investigations?
Following changes made by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) for banking practices, are we seeing any changes following the retail banking investigations?
The major issues surrounding the retail banking investigations was about barriers to entry for new banks stifling competition, as well as customers staying with their banks due to restrictions for changing banks, overdraft issues and customer engagement concerns.
The CMA found that relevant industry practises and issues had allowed for competition to fall within the category of ‘prevented, restricted and / or distorted’. Since big changes were made, have we seen any benefits?
Are online gambling companies treating their customers fairly?
Are online gambling companies treating their customers fairly? The UK’s Competition and Market’s Authority (CMA) has been reviewing the industry for a while now, and with the recent story about gambling company LeoVegas said to be “failing” problem gamblers, it’s a market that needs a very close eye on it.
The CMA has been asking online gambling firms to agree to a number of undertakings as they continue to watch over this lucrative but also somewhat problematic industry.
The CMA has written to more online gambling firms about their practices recently as a number of enforcement actions have been taken to ensure the market is healthy, and ensure online gamblers are free of unfair obstacles and practises.
A new draft consumer law advice for the UK care home industry is being considered, with a particular focus on curbing charges after a resident’s death.
The care home industry has been under close scrutiny in recent years from the UK’s competition watchdog – The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) – over families bearing the costs of fees after a resident has passed away. The CMA has been looking at the industry as a whole to ensure there is fair competition to keep fees down in an era where elderly care is both costly and straining under a continually ageing population.
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CMA clamp down on car hire websites over “hidden” costs
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) have clamped down on car hire websites over “hidden” costs, resulting in changes as to how quotes are to be presented, and ensuring more information is provided as to what additional costs could be incurred.
The investigation has seen online travel agent P&P Associates Ltd, as well as price comparison website companies Affordable Car Hire Ltd and Flexiblecarhire.com Ltd, commit to ensuring all compulsory charges are contained within quotes.
Now, things like fuel surcharges, additional fees for young drivers and out-of-hours pick up charges must be included in the initial quotes.
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UK pharmaceutical companies paying millions of pounds to healthcare professionals
According to a report from The Times newspaper, UK pharmaceutical companies are reportedly paying millions of pounds to healthcare professionals and other organisations.
American pharmaceutical companies have previously come under fire for reportedly paying healthcare professionals to push their products, and it now appears the UK may have the same problem.
According to The Times, two of the biggest pharmaceutical players in the UK have been making “secret payments” of almost £20 million to reportedly “plug” their products.
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Multiple shipping companies admit to price-fixing agreements for their services
Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics (WWL) has pleaded guilty to price-fixing and was ordered to pay almost £70 million for breaching competition laws.
Three other companies have reportedly followed WWL’s footsteps and have also pleaded guilty.
Several former and current executives for WWL have been indicted on charges of anti-competitive behaviour over accusations of price-fixing for some of its international ocean shipping. Former executives were apparently charged in November 2016 along with a current executive as well.
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