U.K. Watchdog Proposes Easing Apple, Google Curbs on Alternative Payment Systems

By Adria Calatayud

Britain's antitrust watchdog proposed easing restrictions put in place by Apple and Google to prevent U.K. app developers from steering customers toward alternative payment platforms.

The U.K.'s Competition and Markets Authority said Tuesday that it would launch a consultation on new requirements for Apple and Google that would remove those curbs and allow developers to bypass fees set by the U.S. tech giants' payment systems.

Google said it had already made the changes the CMA is proposing. Apple didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

The measures are aimed at bringing down prices and spurring innovation in the U.K., the CMA said.

The consultation will be open until July 28 and the regulator will decide whether to impose the new requirements later this year, it said.

Write to Adria Calatayud at adria.calatayud@wsj.com