Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024

46 Power to make pro-competition interventions

(1) The CMA may make a pro-competition intervention (a “PCI”) in relation to a designated undertaking where, following a PCI investigation (see section 47), the CMA considers that—

(a) a factor or combination of factors relating to a relevant digital activity is having an adverse effect on competition, and

(b) it would be proportionate to make the PCI for the purposes of remedying, mitigating or preventing the adverse effect on competition.

(2) In considering whether to make a PCI, and the form and content of any PCI, the CMA may have regard to any benefits to UK users or UK customers that the CMA considers have resulted, or may be expected to result, from a factor or combination of factors that is having an adverse effect on competition.

(3) A PCI may take the form of one or both of the following—

(a) an order imposing on the designated undertaking requirements as to how the undertaking must conduct itself, in relation to the relevant digital activity or otherwise (a “pro-competition order”: see section 51);

(b) recommendations made by the CMA to any person exercising functions of a public nature about steps which the CMA considers the person ought to take in respect of the designated undertaking or the digital activity, or otherwise.

(4) A PCI may include provision for the purposes of remedying, mitigating or preventing any detrimental effect on UK users or UK customers that the CMA considers has resulted, or may be expected to result, from the adverse effect on competition to which the PCI relates.

(5) A factor or combination of factors relating to a digital activity has an adverse effect on competition where it prevents, restricts or distorts competition in connection with the relevant digital activity in the United Kingdom.