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UK Regulators Question Google’s Decision to Retain Third-Party Cookies

By  |  September 24, 2024

Google is once again facing regulatory pressure in the United Kingdom, as the nation’s competition watchdog raises concerns over the company’s approach to handling third-party cookies within its Chrome browser. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) expressed reservations on Tuesday, stating that “concerns remain” regarding Google’s revised plans to retain cookies, despite earlier intentions to phase them out, according to Reuters.

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    In July, the tech giant reversed its longstanding decision to eliminate third-party cookies, which are used to track users’ activities across the web. These cookies are a critical component for advertisers who rely on them to deliver personalized ads—one of Google’s primary sources of revenue. Advertisers had voiced opposition to the initial plan to remove cookies, arguing it would limit their ability to effectively target consumers, leaving them dependent on Google’s own user data.

    In response to this backlash, Google, owned by parent company Alphabet, modified its strategy. The company now intends to give users the option to allow cookies when browsing with Chrome, hoping to address the concerns of advertisers and maintain competition in the digital ad market. However, per Reuters, the CMA has called for public input on Google’s revised approach, leading to further analysis of its impact on competition.

    Read more: Google Wins Appeal Against EU’s €1.5 Billion Fine for Ad Monopoly Practices

    “Based on careful consideration of the responses we received, the CMA’s view is that competition concerns remain under Google’s revised approach,” the CMA stated on Tuesday. The authority warned that if it cannot agree on adequate changes to Google’s plans that address these competition concerns, it may need to pursue additional actions. This marks a significant development in the ongoing debate over how much power Google holds in the online advertising ecosystem.

    The company’s use of cookies has been under scrutiny from other regulatory bodies as well, including the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), Britain’s privacy watchdog. The ICO had previously supported Google’s original plan to remove cookies, believing it aligned with data privacy standards. However, with Google’s reversal, the conversation has shifted, prompting new discussions about privacy and competition in the advertising space.

    A spokesperson for Google told Reuters that the company’s new approach is designed to give users more control and help them make informed decisions about their privacy. “As we finalize this approach, we’ll continue to consult with the CMA, ICO, and other regulators globally, and look forward to ongoing collaboration with the ecosystem to build a private, ad-supported internet,” the spokesperson added.

    Source: Reuters

    Warren Warns BNY Mellon-Northern Trust Merger Could Violate Antitrust Laws Warren Warns BNY Mellon-Northern Trust Merger Could Violate Antitrust Laws

    Warren Warns BNY Mellon-Northern Trust Merger Could Violate Antitrust Laws

    By  |  July 22, 2025

    Senator Elizabeth Warren has raised concerns about the potential merger between BNY Mellon and Northern Trust, warning that such a deal could violate federal banking laws and result in serious financial stability risks. According to Reuters, Warren, who serves as the top Democrat on the Senate Banking Committee and is a vocal critic of major banks, expressed her alarm in a letter to BNY CEO Robin Vince sent on Tuesday.

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      Warren’s letter, seen by Reuters, cautioned that a merger between BNY Mellon, the world’s largest custody bank, and Northern Trust, a major competitor in the custody services sector, would raise substantial antitrust concerns. The senator pointed out that the combined entity would control more than 30% of the custodial services market, leading to fears of reduced competition and potential price hikes. “Pursuing a merger that drastically consolidates a key market while supercharging the firm’s risk profile and systemic importance is irresponsible and may also violate federal banking laws,” Warren wrote.

      The senator further questioned the financial stability implications of the merger, which could lead to a firm with significantly increased market power and a heightened level of systemic risk. She requested a briefing on the status of any merger talks, as well as information on any ongoing discussions with regulators. As of now, BNY Mellon has declined to comment on the letter, and Northern Trust has not responded to requests for comment.

      Read more: Senator Warren Presses Pentagon on Competitive AI Contracts as Musk’s Grok Gains Traction

      The proposed merger has gained attention after a report from The Wall Street Journal in June revealed that BNY Mellon had approached Northern Trust about the possibility of a merger, although Northern Trust has expressed its desire to remain independent. BNY Mellon has yet to make a public statement on the initial report.

      The growing interest in large bank mergers comes amid a broader discussion among regulators, particularly those appointed during the Trump administration, about refining the merger review process. This follows a more cautious stance taken by the Biden administration regarding deals among major financial institutions.

      In her letter, Warren emphasized that such a deal would likely harm customers by reducing the already limited choices available for institutional clients seeking custodial services. She argued that further entrenching BNY Mellon’s dominant market position would give the firm greater leverage to increase fees and reduce incentives for innovation, ultimately undermining customer service.

      “Further entrenching its already-dominant market position would enable BNY to hike fees and increase prices, undermine its incentives to innovate, erode its customer service, and reduce the already-limited choices available for institutional clients looking for custodial services,” Warren warned.

      Source: Reuters