The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024

The Act brings comprehensive changes to UK competition rules and consumer protection law and introduces a new UK Digital Markets Regime.

So, what are the key changes?

Competition Law:

The Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) jurisdiction to review mergers is increased to £100 million and creates a safe harbour for transactions where the turnover of each party is less than £10 million.

The CMA will have the ability to review killer acquisitions where at least one party has an existing share of supply in the UK of more than 33% and a UK turnover in excess of £350 million.

These new rules came into force on 1 January 2025

Consumer Protection:

The CMA, previously the UK’s main consumer protection body, now has direct enforcement powers.

New rules are expected to take effect in April 2025.

The CMA can impose fines of up to 10% of global turnover (or £300,000 if higher) for serious breaches.

The unfair commercial practices “black list” is updated to include fake reviews and drip pricing. The list can be updated, and the CMA is pushing for greenwashing to be added.

A new regime to prevent subscription traps will start in spring 2026.

Digital Markets:

The CMA can now designate undertakings with strategic market status. It can impose conduct requirements and intervene to maintain market competition. Designated undertakings must report certain mergers.

The Digital Markets regime began on 1 January 2025.

The new consumer protection measures will impact businesses daily. For more information, feel free to get in touch.