Publishers & platforms: how competition law supports a fair digital marketplace

This essential webinar explored how competition law can help publishers in a digital world.

Experts from Hausfeld outlined the significant developments for publishers, as well as real-world examples of regulation around the globe. And, in a Q&A with Chris Duncan, we explored how trusted editorial brands can achieve more favourable business conditions in the current climate.

If you missed the session, you can catch up on demand

Why is this so topical now?

In January 2025, the CMA launched an investigation into Google’s search services under its new Digital Markets Unit powers, which is due to reach its initial findings in early autumn this year, and this month, another new collective action against Google has been allowed to proceed by The Competition Appeal Tribunal.

With damages valued at over £1 billion, the collective action is being brought by app developers on the grounds that Google has abused its dominance in the markets for mobile operating systems and app distribution, following on the heels of a similar action on behalf of Android phone users which is due to go to trial in the autumn.

This case will now proceed alongside two other collective actions against Google, one for £7 billion over Google’s alleged anticompetitive behaviour in search and another for £13.6 billion in relation to Google’s alleged abuse of its dominance in relation to online advertising technology.

Similar developments can be seen in other markets, including the US where the Department of Justice is continuing regulatory action against Google including mandatory sale of the Chrome browser as well as discontinuation of Chrome as the default browser on Apple. Find out more here.

Speakers

Luke Streatfeild,
Partner, Hausfeld

Luke is a competition litigation specialist. His practice focuses on the promotion of fair markets and consumer welfare, and in particular the private enforcement of competition, data protection, and consumer law.

He advises the proposed class representative on the £7 bn UK claim against Google for abuse of dominance in search, and is one of the lead partners in the first historic consolidation of £13.6 bn claim against Google for abuse of dominance in adtech.

Glenn Holmwood,
Counsel, Hausfeld

Glenn is an experienced disputes lawyer with a focus on competition law.

Glenn joined from the Competition and Markets Authority where he, as Assistant Legal Director, conducted high value, high profile litigation with a focus on competition enforcement appeals, cartel investigations, director disqualification proceedings, and public law challenges.

Chris Duncan,
CEO & Founder, Seedelta

Chris Duncan has a 25 year track record of media monetisation, content strategy, digital transformation, and business model change. He has delivered growth across complex global and matrix environments for UK, US, and European businesses.

As Chief Customer Officer at Newscorp, he was responsible for marketing and business development across all UK news brands. As MD of The Times, he helped scale the digital subscriptions business to record levels of subscribers and ARPU.

As CEO of the Bauer Media UK Publishing business, he managed a portfolio of 80 brands and 800 people, delivering revenue diversification, increased profitability, and double-digit digital revenue growth.

Eilidh Wilson,
Head of Policy and Public Affairs, PPA

Eilidh leads the Policy and Public Affairs team at the PPA, and manages the trade body’s relationships with the government, parliamentarians, and regulators. Before working at the PPA, Eilidh worked in several policy, public affairs, and campaign roles for a professional body and a public affairs agency, with a particular interest in digital regulation.