New UK regulator to curb big tech's power over news publishers

Britain's new regulator for tech giants Facebook and Google launches on Wednesday with an initial remit to see if a code of conduct could improve the balance of power between the platforms and news publishers. The Digital Markets Unit (DMU), based in the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), has been set up to stop big tech companies abusing their market dominance after the competition regulator said existing rules were not enough. The power and reach of big tech has grown faster than governments' ability to keep them in check.

Britain's Digital Secretary Oliver Dowden said  has asked the DMU to look at how a code could govern the relationships between platforms and content providers, such as news publishers, to ensure they were as fair and reasonable as possible. "This will pave the way for the development of new digital services and lower prices, give consumers more choice and control over their data, and support our news industry, which is vital to freedom of expression and our democratic values.", he said in a statement.  Britain said the unit would coordinate with international partners that are also grappling with tech regulation.