The government on Friday outlined plans for how the Digital Markets Unit will create a new pro-competition regime for the digital marketplace including introducing a legally binding code of conduct to underpin meaningful payment for news publishers’ content by the tech platforms. Publishing the Competition and Markets Authority’s advice on a code of conduct for platforms and publishers, CMA chief executive Andrea Coscelli called for the necessary legislation to be brought forward “as quickly as possible”.
News Media Association chief executive Owen Meredith said: “We welcome the government’s clear commitment to give the Digital Markets Unit the statutory powers it urgently needs, and note the widespread support for the new regime from respondents to the consultation.
“We also welcome the government’s commitment to press sustainability and acceptance of CMA and Ofcom proposals to introduce a legally binding code of conduct with binding final offer arbitration as a mechanism to underpin meaningful payment for news publishers’ content by the tech platforms.
“This pro-competitive and pro-innovation intervention is long overdue and we now urgently need to get on with passing this important legislation so the DMU has the tools it needs to get on with the job. The Queen’s Speech on Tuesday (10 May) is the obvious opportunity to take this forward via a Digital Competition Bill.”
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