Written question asked by Mike Martin (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 25 March 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 31 March 2025 (named day). It was answered by Feryal Clark (Labour) on Monday, 31 March 2025 on behalf of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Software: Fees and Charges

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what discussions he has had with (a) Google and (b) Apple on in-app purchase fees; and whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of bringing forward legislative proposals to regulate in-app fees.

Answer: The Competition and Markets Authority launched a Strategic Market Status designation investigation in January on both Apple and Google’s position in mobile ecosystems. This investigation is independent to Government and will also include the consideration of in-app purchase fees and conditions. The CMA have consulted on the scope of this investigation and is gathering evidence before publishing a provisional Strategic Market Status designation decision in July.

Secondary information