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DMCCA guide

Our one-stop-shop for digestible and informative content on all aspects of the expansive Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024.

The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCCA) is a landmark piece of legislation that brings major reforms to the UK’s digital and consumer landscape.

Introducing a new regulatory regime for digital markets, tougher competition law enforcement, and stronger consumer protections, the DMCCA represents a fundamental change in how businesses operate.

Our guide offers clear, practical summaries alongside insights and tips to help you navigate every aspect of the Act. Essential reading for businesses in the digital economy, it will be regularly updated as new developments emerge - so we recommend bookmarking the link to stay informed.

KEY CONTACT

Ciara Cullen, Partner, Retail & Consumer Sector Lead at RPC

Ciara Cullen

Partner, Consumer Brands & Retail Sector Lead

+44 20 3060 6244

London

Ciara Cullen

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Highlights

No hidden fees: an end to drip pricing

The DMCCA targets hidden fees and charges, requiring businesses to display the full price upfront, ensuring consumers are not misled by unexpected costs at checkout.

 

A new regime for subscription contracts 

New provisions under the DMCCA aim to protect consumers from 'subscription traps' by requiring clearer terms, easier cancellation processes, and greater transparency in recurring charges.


The crackdown on fake and misleading customer reviews

Businesses face tougher obligations to prevent and remove fake or deceptive reviews, protecting consumers from manipulated feedback and enhancing trust in online marketplaces.

The CMA's new direct enforcement powers

The DMCCA significantly strengthens the CMA’s powers, enabling swifter investigations and imposing larger fines on companies that breach consumer or competition law.


Killer acquisitions under scrutiny - how the DMCCA impacts big tech

New measures have been introduced to address 'killer acquisitions,' where larger companies acquire smaller innovative competitors to stifle competition. Typically found in the tech and pharmaceutical sectors, such transactions will be subject to closer scrutiny to preserve market fairness.

Green claims – the stakes just got higher

The DMCCA introduces enhanced powers for the CMA to scrutinise and enforce against misleading environmental or sustainability claims, ensuring businesses substantiate their green marketing and reducing the risk of greenwashing in consumer communications.

Our experts

Ciara Cullen, Partner, Retail & Consumer Sector Lead at RPC

Ciara Cullen

Partner, Consumer Brands & Retail Sector Lead

+44 20 3060 6244

London

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David Cran, Partner, Head of Disputes at RPC

David Cran

Partner, Head of Disputes

+44 20 3060 6149

London

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Tom McQuail, Partner at RPC

Tom McQuail

Partner, Competition

+44 20 3060 7032

London

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Oliver Bray

Senior Partner, Technology, Media & Telecoms Sector Lead

+44 20 3060 6277

London

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Georgia Davis, Of Counsel at RPC

Georgia Davis

Of Counsel

+44 20 3060 6170

London

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Whitney Simpson, Of Counsel at RPC

Whitney Simpson

Of Counsel

+44 20 3060 6000

London

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Hettie Homewood, Senior Associate at RPC

Hettie Homewood

Senior Associate

+44 20 3060 6000

London

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Will Carter, Senior Associate at RPC

Will Carter

Senior Associate

+44 20 3060 6377

London

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Sophie Tuson, Senior Associate, Environment and Climate Change Practice Lead at RPC

Sophie Tuson

Senior Associate, Environment and Climate Change Practice Lead

+44 20 3060 6000

London

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Harpreet Kaur

Associate

+44 20 3060 6000

London

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Joshy Suzanne Thomas, Senior Knowledge Lawyer at RPC

Joshy Thomas

Senior Knowledge Lawyer

+44 20 3060 6000

London

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Praveeta Thayalan, Senior Knowledge Lawyer at RPC

Praveeta Thayalan

Senior Knowledge Lawyer

+44 20 3060 6000

London

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Mariyum Mahood, Associate at RPC

Mariyum Mahmood

Associate

+44 20 3060 7327

London

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