Large tech companies like Google and Facebook will have to follow new competition rules in the UK or face massive fines, according to the government.
The new Digital Markets Unit (DMU) will be given authority to crack down on some firms’ “predatory practises.”
If companies fail to comply, the regulator will have the authority to fine them up to 10% of their global turnover.
The rules aim to give users more control over their data while also increasing competition among tech firms.
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) stated that, in addition to large fines, tech companies could face additional penalties of 5% of daily global turnover for each day the offence continues.
That could amount to tens of billions of dollars for companies like Apple.
“Senior executives will face civil penalties if their companies fail to respond appropriately to requests for information,” the government stated.