UK competition and consumer law in digital markets: guidance on horizontal/vertical agreements, platform dominance, market studies, and the DMCCA 2024

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Practice notes

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This Practice Note offers direction on how UK competition law applies to digital markets. It examines: the reach of the Chapter I prohibition in digital trade, including competition law concerns with horizontal and vertical arrangements; abuse of dominance by online platforms; UK market studies and market investigations concerning digital markets; and reforms brought in by the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCCA 2024). It underscores both the benefits and the difficulties of maintaining competition law compliance across the digital commerce lifecycle. This applies at every stage and touchpoint in practice today.

Introduction to competition law and digital trading

Over recent decades, the manner in which traders buy and sell goods has changed dramatically. As the internet and other forms of digital connectivity become embedded within society, traders are ever more dependent on digital platforms to transact with business customers and consumers. Traders can now reach customers via numerous platforms, including social media, online marketplaces, and virtual reality platforms. This evolution has expanded audience reach and improved consumer choice. See also, Practice Note: UK competition law and commercial agreements—quick guide. The growth of digital commerce has likewise spurred a proliferation of alternative distribution models. Whereas in the past, a...

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Laura Carter

Ashurst

Laura Carter is a senior associate in Ashurst's antitrust, regulation and foreign investment practice, based in London. Laura advises on all aspects of UK and EU competition law, including cartels and antitrust investigations, merger control and competition training/compliance, UK and cross border foreign investment and national security controls and other regulatory matters. She has experience advising clients on matters before the European Commission, CMA, FCA, Ofcom and Ofgem....

Web page updated on 22/05/2026

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