1️⃣ UK competition rules for mobile platforms are tightening, scrutiny on app distribution and default AI features.
The CMA published its 2026 programme on mobile platforms, outlining next steps after designating Apple and Google with Strategic Market Status.
This is signalling potential interventions that could affect SME app costs, reach, and platform dependence.
🔴 Action: Map your top 3 revenue-critical mobile channels and document any platform “gatekeeper” dependencies: fees, default placement, data access.
✅ Outcome: You will reduce you company’s platform lock-in risk2️⃣ OpenAI just shipped a “Lockdown Mode” for ChatGPT; security controls are catching up to real-world agent risks.
OpenAI introduced Lockdown Mode plus “Elevated Risk” labels to help organisations mitigate prompt-injection and data exfiltration when models browse the web or connect to apps.
This is aimed at higher-risk users like execs and security teams.
🔴 Action: Turn on stricter controls for your most-targeted roles (finance, exec assistants) and restrict external tool access by default.
✅ Outcome: reduces you company’s data leakage risk.3️⃣ EU regulators are signalling they’ll move faster when big platforms use distribution power to box out AI rivals.
Reuters reports the EU warned it may use interim measures against Meta over concerns it could block AI competitors’ access via WhatsApp.
This is a sign that AI distribution channels are becoming competition battlegrounds.
🔴 Action: Avoid single-channel dependency: ensure your customer messaging and support can switch between at least two platforms.
✅ Outcome: protects your go-to-market resilience.