Anti-virus software sector investigation latest
First published by Author on September 12, 2019 in the following categories: Industry Pricing and tagged with cma | competition law | investigations | pricing
Here’s the latest in the important anti-virus software sector investigation that’s being conducted by the CMA (Competition and Markets Authority).
It’s an important one, especially given how prevalent cybersecurity is these days. There have been so many hacks and attacks in recent times that all organisations – both public and private sector – must invest properly to ensure that they’re defended.
But are service providers in the sector offering their vital line of defence in terms that are deemed as fair, and in the spirit of healthy competition? That’s essentially what the CMA wants to find out.
About the anti-virus software sector investigation
The CMA’s investigation into the anti-virus software sector was launched back in December 2018. The key focus was outlined as looking into the practices surrounding auto-renewals, and whether practices are fair.
Default auto-renewals, price changes and notifications are three key things that the CMA said they would consider.
The latest
In June this year, the CMA issued a short update with regards to the progress of the anti-virus software sector investigation.
They confirmed that they were specifically looking into whether consumers are:
- Expressly agreeing to automatic renewals;
- Expressly agreeing to pay higher prices when auto-renewal takes place;
- Able to easily stop the process of auto-renewal;
- Entitled to refunds if they no longer require the service.
A number of service providers have been asked for information about their practices and behaviours. The CMA can then review their findings and make the decision as to whether they wish to take any further action or not.
As the moment, no assumptions as to breaches or poor practice can be made.
The anti-virus software sector is one to keep an eye on
Without a doubt, the anti-virus software sector is one to keep a close eye on when it comes to competition and consumer law.
A lot of what’s being offered is very similar, and a lot of it may also be hard to understand for organisations when it comes to what they need. It can be very technical stuff, and the fear of falling victim to a cyber-attack and being subjected to potentially millions of pounds in GDPR fines is enough for anyone to know that cybersecurity investment is key.
Let’s hope that there are no practices that are designed to take advantage of the consumers…