Digital Markets, Competition & Consumers (DMCC) Bill - Which? Written Evidence submitted at Committee Stage in the House of Commons

Which? welcomes the introduction of this landmark Bill which will modernise and update the UK's competition and consumer laws. The Bill supports greater competition, and consumer choice and protection by addressing fundamental short and long-term challenges in the UK economy.

We welcome three key elements of this Bill. Measures that will:

• Empower the CMA’s Digital Markets Unit (DMU) to enable open, fair and competitive online markets and level the playing field between the big tech platforms and other companies by strengthening competition rules.
• Enhance the role of the Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) by giving it new powers to administer fines to non-compliant firms that are ripping off consumers.
• Advance the UK’s Consumer Protection laws to ensure people are getting the fairest possible deal.

Whilst strongly welcoming this Bill, we believe the provisions within Part 1, whilst very beneficial for consumers and businesses, could be strengthened, such as by replacing the Countervailing Benefits Exemption (clause 29) and expanding measures to enable wider access to justice for consumers (consumer redress) (clause 99).

Consumer protection provisions should also be strengthened by adding Fake Reviews and Drip Pricing to the list of banned practices (schedule 18) on the face of this Bill, and subjecting them both to criminal enforcement.