Business · 18 November 2025
UK competition regulator investigates eight firms over suspected online pricing abuses
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is investigating eight firms—including ticket-resale sites, driving-schools and gyms—over suspected breaches of consumer law around online pricing. The probe targets practices such as “drip pricing”, where a low advertised cost is followed by mandatory additional fees, and misleading countdown-timers meant to spur purchases. The investigations employ new enforcement powers under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 that could lead to fines up to 10 % of global turnover and compensation orders.
Reported by Reuters · How we write briefs