CMA’s new Digital Markets Unit: exciting opportunities to influence the regulation of big tech

Digital markets have come to play a central role in our personal, economic and social lives. For many people, this trend has substantially quickened over the last couple of years, as the pandemic has led us to live, work and consume online more than ever before. The large digital firms which dominate these markets influence our lives every day, their algorithms shaping the content, goods and services we choose. These choices also affect thousands of businesses across the UK, which rely on the large digital firms to advertise, distribute and sell. It is therefore crucial that digital markets operate effectively.

In recent years it has become apparent that action is needed to meet this aim and the Government is embarking on a programme of reforms to address this. These reforms include the new online safety regime , reforms to data protection law , as well as the new pro-competition regime for digital markets , for which the CMA’s Digital Markets Unit will be responsible. The future regulatory landscape for big tech is one of the biggest challenges facing governments across the globe – now is your chance to join us and play a part in shaping it.

The role of the newly created Digital Markets Unit is to promote greater competition and innovation in digital markets, in the interests of consumers. It will oversee the most powerful digital firms – those with Strategic Market Status – setting and enforcing a code of conduct as well as implementing pro-competitive interventions like access to data and interoperability to open up greater opportunities for competition and innovation. The DMU is currently operating in shadow form, pending legislation. The government has committed to legislating as soon as Parliamentary time allows.

We are currently recruiting for a Director for the Digital Markets Unit, alongside 3 Assistant Directors , 2 Principal Policy Advisers and one Digital Markets Adviser .

All roles will provide the opportunity to get involved with a range of different work including:

• Working on some of the CMA’s most high profile investigations in digital markets, such as those on Google’s ‘privacy sandbox’ ,?Facebook’s use of ad data , Apple’s App Store , and our mobile ecosystems market study .
• Horizon-scanning to identify the potential impact of new technologies and business practices.
• Working closely with the government to develop the proposed legislative framework for the new regime as well as guidance on how the DMU will use its powers.
• Ensuring the operational readiness of the DMU, so that it can work effectively from Day 1 of the new regime.
• Building relationships and working closely with digital market participants as well as other regulators active in digital markets, including through the Digital Regulation Cooperation Forum, and through international networks like the OECD and International Competition Network.

Why join the CMA’s Digital Markets Unit?

• There will be substantial opportunities to shape how the CMA and others, domestically and internationally, think about the regulation of digital markets, and in doing so use your skills for the public good, protecting consumers and keeping markets competitive.
• The CMA’s case work and its information-gathering powers provide the opportunity to understand in detail how big tech firms operate, with the chance to learn and build substantial knowledge and expertise in digital markets.
• The CMA is committed to being an inclusive place to work. Colleagues are supported in balancing their roles with wider responsibilities like caring, and the organisation has a great programme focused on equality, diversity and inclusion.

How can I apply?

Applications?must be submitted?through the?Civil Service jobs page . You just need to submit a CV and a 1 to 2 page personal statement. If you are interested in joining the team, please see the individual Civil Service job pages linked above.

The deadline is 11.55pm on Monday 17 January.

To help you find out more about the roles and give you a more in-depth understanding of the DMU, CMA and our work, we're hosting an Open house session on Wednesday 12 January at 5pm. To register visit our?event page .

We look forward to receiving your application!