Category: Public Affairs

It has recommended a targeted means-tested discount scheme, but has not recommended the inclusion of publishers or bulk mail users in the discount scheme. 

In addition, Ofcom is considering issues around a lack of price controls for downstream access providers, and what solutions may be appropriate. 

Sajeeda Merali, CEO, PPA said: “Many publishers rely on second-class post as an essential, affordable way to reach their readers, and ongoing price rises have already put significant strain on the sector. Any regime that excludes publishers from postal discounts would have a commercial impact for many.

It’s disappointing that magazines and publishers were not directly referenced in Ofcom’s reports, instead being grouped under the broad category of ‘bulk mail users. A more accurate and informed understanding of the publishing sector’s specific challenges would be welcome.

The PPA will continue engaging closely with our members to provide a comprehensive response, but our position of deep concern over the cost of second-class post and its impact on publishers remains clear. Affordability and access are vital if publishers are to continue serving their audiences and communities effectively.”

The PPA are currently engaging with members to develop a response, ahead of the deadline of 5 December. For more information about the consultation, see here and to speak to our team about the consultation contact our Head of Policy & Public Affairs eilidh.wilson@ppa.co.uk. 

The new rules were enshrined in law in the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 and require publishers to meet certain requirements around cancellation, renewal notices, and cooling-off rights.

The government had previously stated that the enforcement was planned for Spring 2026. However, this has been delayed in recognition of the fact that “all stakeholders, particularly businesses, need time to prepare for implementation”.

The PPA worked closely with members to participate in the government’s consultation process to design the guidance that prescribes how businesses should adhere to the new regime.

The government has said it will provide further details on timings in the government response but has not given an indication of when this response will be published.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with Eilidh Wilson, Head of Policy and Public Affairs, PPA (eilidh.wilson@ppa.co.uk)

This allows the CMA to consider proportionate, targeted interventions to ensure that general search services are open to effective competition, and that consumers and businesses that rely on Google can have confidence that they are treated fairly.   

While Gemini isn’t included under the designation, it does cover AI offerings specific to Google search services, such as the AI overviews and AI mode. 

This outcome was expected; however, it’s a significant milestone. It is the first designation made by the UK’s new digital platform regulator; the first company to be designated within a specific market; the first time a regulator has had the legal framework to oversee a big tech platform under UK sovereign law; and the first instance of ex-ante regulation, allowing intervention as issues arise rather than years later. 

The PPA continues to work closely with the CMA and will be working with members to consult on the proposed conduct requirements.  

Sajeeda Merali, CEO, PPA said: “We welcome the CMA’s decision to designate Google Search with Strategic Market Status. It’s the correct decision and addresses Google’s current monopoly. 

It’s particularly encouraging to see Discover, AI Overview, and AI Mode included in scope. This demonstrates an understanding that search is evolving, and that publishers must have a say in how their content is used. In the upcoming November consultation, we will further advocate for appropriate protections for our world-leading publishers and the trusted editorial content they produce. 

This is a critical opportunity to rebalance the digital marketplace and foster greater competition, building a healthier ecosystem overall. We’re ready to play an active role in shaping this next phase to deliver a fairer, more sustainable digital ecosystem.” 

On the back of the designation, the CMA will publish a set of proposed conduct requirements for Google to address its entrenched market power.  

Will Hayter, Executive Director for Digital Markets, CMA, said: “By promoting competition in digital markets like search and search advertising we can unlock opportunities for businesses big and small to support innovation and growth, driving investment across the UK economy.  

We have found that Google maintains a strategic position in the search and search advertising sector – with more than 90% of searches in the UK taking place on its platform.   

Having taken into account the feedback received following our proposed decision, we have designated Google’s search services with strategic market status.” 

If you have any questions, please get in touch with Eilidh Wilson, Head of Policy and Public Affairs, PPA (eilidh.wilson@ppa.co.uk) 

Further reading 

Media Briefing: Why some publishers are flipping their position on whether to block AI bots. Read here (DIGIDAY subscription needed). 

To see further details on the PPA’s recommendations ahead of the CMA’s decision, please see our submission here.  

The deal commits both governments to cooperation on AI and other emerging tech, and it also includes £31 billion of investment from US tech firms.

While there are no binding agreements on regulation and copyright, it does say that a focus area of collaboration between the countries will be leading the development of “harmonised, responsible, pro-innovation policy and regulation”.

The UK government is still consulting with the creative and tech industries on its approach to AI and copyright. The PPA has been engaging directly with the government on this and will continue to push for better regulatory conditions that would combat infringement.

You can read the Memorandum of Understanding here.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with Eilidh Wilson, Head of Policy and Public Affairs, PPA (eilidh.wilson@ppa.co.uk).

The delay follows ongoing concerns regarding the readiness of the supporting IT infrastructure required to enforce the legislation.

Originally scheduled to come into force in December 2025, the EUDR seeks to reduce global deforestation driven by EU consumption. It will prohibit the import of commodities, including cattle, coco, coffee, palm oil, rubber, soy, and timber-derived products such as magazine paper, unless they can be proven not to contribute to deforestation.

PPA members, along with publishers globally, have consistently raised concerns about the lack of clarity and preparedness surrounding the regulation. There has been limited guidance from Brussels on how to navigate the practical complexities of compliance across the intricate news and magazine supply chain exporting into the EU and NI.

Under the regulation, non-compliance could result in products being detained or confiscated at the border, alongside significant financial penalties. To mitigate these risks, publishers and their supply chain partners will be required to submit detailed due diligence reports, including geolocation data identifying the specific forest(s) from which the pulp used in paper production was sourced. 

To support PPA members in preparing for EUDR compliance, we will publish a concise guidance document in early October. This will include practical advice and input from across the value chain, outlining a standardised industry approach to meeting the regulation’s requirements.

If you have any questions, contact the PPA’s Membership Manager on David.Bostock@ppa.co.uk

Following the resignation of former Deputy PM, Angela Rayner, Keir Starmer has announced a cabinet reshuffle, whilst also reappointing ministers to various departments.

Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)

DCMS remains largely the same, with Secretary Lisa Nandy remaining in post. Former Minister for the Creative Industries, Chris Bryant, whose portfolio was closely aligned with the policy areas at the PPA, has been moved to the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). His post has been taken on by Ian Murray who has also been assigned as a minister within the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), similar to Bryant.

Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT)

DSIT has undergone one of the most significant changes, with a new Secretary of State and two new ministers.

Liz Kendall is the department’s new Secretary, with Ian Murray and Kanishka Narayan becoming ministers. Feryal Clark, who oversaw AI, has now been moved to the backbenches.

The scale of change at DSIT mirrors wider Cabinet moves in departments facing pressure on major policy areas. In the case of DSIT, AI and copyright have been prominent issues for the department, making the reshuffle particularly noteworthy. More broadly, most changes across government have been reassignments to other posts rather than dismissals, with Number 10 seeking to reset policy delivery in key areas.

Department for Business and Trade (DBT)

Peter Kyle, who was the Secretary for DSIT, is now Secretary for DBT. Chris Bryant joins him in this department. Justin Madders, who was responsible for digital markets, competition and postal regulation, has left DBT and is now on the backbenches.

We are yet to see the full briefs of new and reassigned ministers. However, once these are confirmed, we will be working alongside industry stakeholders to brief ministers on our key issues.

The PPA has submitted a response to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) consultation on its regulatory approach to online advertising. In our submission, we emphasised the importance of Government using its powers to create a more enabling environment for publishers, specifically by extending PECR – Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations, exemptions on consent requirements to include data sharing with third parties for advertising purposes.

We highlighted that the privacy risks in this area are marginal, given the vast availability of personal data online (particularly that controlled by large platforms), and that genuine digital anonymity is now virtually non-existent.

Our response also underlined that publishers cannot sustain viable advertising models on contextual or consent-less inventory alone. Continued access to personalised advertising is critical to maintaining quality, independent content and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the sector.

The consultation comes as the ICO sees a change in leadership, with William Malcolm, a former Google lawyer, replacing Stephen Almond as regulatory lead. We are engaging with the ICO to arrange a meeting between Malcolm and PPA members to discuss these issues in more detail.

You can read our full response here.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published Google’s formal response to the proposed designation of its search and advertising services under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCCA).

Alongside industry stakeholders, Google was expected to comment on the proposals and will have further opportunities to provide evidence and comments later in the year. As expected, Google challenged the CMA’s findings, particularly around the idea that it holds substantial and entrenched market power.

Key points from Google’s response

Google’s response covers a range of the CMA’s determinations on market power, switching, competition from AI, and the scope of regulation:

1. Default search position
   Google argues its default settings (eg. on Android) don’t block rivals, as users choose Google for quality, and notes that competitors like Microsoft have strong defaults (eg. Bing on Windows)
   
   
2. Switching is easy
   Google has claimed users can easily switch search engines, citing Android’s choice screen and behaviour on Windows, where Google isn’t the default but remains widely used
   
   
3. Market is dynamic
   Points to rapid AI developments (eg OpenAI and Perplexity adding ads) as evidence of a fast-changing market where Google’s power isn’t locked in long-term
   
   
4. Regulatory uncertainty
   Warns that the designation could create ‘substantial uncertainty… impacting UK businesses and consumers’

Despite Google seeking to reframe its position on market dominance, evidence from PPA members shows clear changes in traffic and audience behaviour following the rise of Google’s AI Overviews. This product further entrenches Google’s dominance and creates significant barriers for publishers operating in digital ecosystems.

The PPA has submitted evidence to the CMA, setting out recommendations for conduct requirements to ensure greater transparency, consent, and fairness. You can read more about these recommendations here.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with Eilidh Wilson, Head of Policy and Public Affairs, PPA eilidh.wilson@ppa.co.uk