By Sam Tabahriti
LONDON, June 30 (Reuters) - Britain's competition regulator on Tuesday proposed allowing app developers to steer users to alternative payment options outside Apple and Alphabet's Google app stores to cut fees and boost competition.
The Competition and Markets Authority said the proposals would remove restrictions that currently prevent UK developers from directing users to off-platform payment options, which are banned by Apple and restricted by Google.
The watchdog said any fees charged by two of the world's largest technology companies for allowing such "steering" would need to be fair and reasonable, and should be lower than current app store commissions, with savings passed on to consumers or reinvested in innovation.
"While it is only fair for Apple and Google to be compensated for the services they provide, any fees they charge must be justified through a robust, evidence-led framework involving due reference to both cost and value," Will Hayter, executive director for digital markets, is expected to say later on Tuesday, according to an excerpt of his speech.
LONDON, June 30 (Reuters) - Britain's competition regulator on Tuesday proposed allowing app developers to steer users to alternative payment options outside Apple and Alphabet's Google app stores to cut fees and boost competition.
The Competition and Markets Authority said the proposals would remove restrictions that currently prevent UK developers from directing users to off-platform payment options, which are banned by Apple and restricted by Google.
The watchdog said any fees charged by two of the world's largest technology companies for allowing such "steering" would need to be fair and reasonable, and should be lower than current app store commissions, with savings passed on to consumers or reinvested in innovation.
"While it is only fair for Apple and Google to be compensated for the services they provide, any fees they charge must be justified through a robust, evidence-led framework involving due reference to both cost and value," Will Hayter, executive director for digital markets, is expected to say later on Tuesday, according to an excerpt of his speech.
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