UK Regulator Gets Binding Commitments From Google Over Privacy Proposals -- Update
February 11 2022 - 3:36AM
Dow Jones News
By Jaime Llinares Taboada
The U.K. Competition and Markets Authority said Friday that it
has secured commitments from Alphabet Inc.'s Google to address
competition concerns over its proposals to remove user-tracking
technology and other functions from its Chrome internet
browser.
The regulator said the company's commitments are legally
binding, and that it will supervise Google to ensure that its
Privacy Sandbox--the new technologies it is developing to replace
third-party cookies, which are used to track browsing habits across
multiple websites--is developed in a way that benefits
consumers.
The CMA has been investigating Google's Privacy Sandbox
proposals since early 2021 due to concerns that they could impede
competition in digital-advertising markets, causing advertising
spending to become even more concentrated on Google.
Now, Google has promised that any changes to be made in Chrome
will apply in the same way to its own advertising products as to
those from other companies. In addition, Google has agreed to
design, develop and implement Privacy Sandbox with regulatory
oversight from the CMA and the Information Commissioner's
Office--another U.K. regulator.
The company said it will inform the CMA before removing
third-party cookies and await for the regulator's feedback on any
competition concerns. The CMA said it may take further action if
its concerns aren't addressed. This could include re-opening the
investigation, imposing interim measures or proceeding to a
decision.
"The commitments we have obtained from Google will promote
competition, help to protect the ability of online publishers to
raise money through advertising and safeguard users' privacy," CMA
Chief Executive Andrea Coscelli said.
"We're pleased that today the CMA has accepted these
commitments, which now go into immediate effect," Google said. It
said the company will apply the commitments globally.
"The aim, through this regulatory oversight and supervision, is
to provide reassurance that the Privacy Sandbox will protect
consumers and support a competitive ad-funded web, and not favor
Google," the California-based technology company said.
Write to Jaime Llinares Taboada at jaime.llinares@wsj.com;
@JaimeLlinaresT
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
February 11, 2022 03:21 ET (08:21 GMT)
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