Fake reviews and subscription traps to be banned under new bill

The bill enables government to ban sites from advertising consumer reviews without taking reasonable steps to check they are genuine

The Digital Markets Unit will have the power to fine big tech platforms up to 10 per cent of their global turnover (PA Archive)

A regulator is to police the “excessive dominance” of big technology platforms with the power to fine them up to 10 per cent of their global turnover under new legislation.

The Digital Markets Unit (DMU), which was launched two years ago within the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), will be given new powers to ensure that consumers and businesses are not unfairly disadvantaged by the biggest players.

Firms deemed to have “strategic market status” in key digital services could be forced to abide by tailored rules on how they operate or face heavy fines under the draft Digital Markets, Competition and ConsumersBill.