In response to Google’s announcement today that it will no longer attempt to block third party cookies in Chrome, James Rosewell, co-founder of Movement for an Open Web, said:
“This is an admission by Google that the Privacy Sandbox project is all but over.
“Google’s intention was to remove open and interoperable communications standards to bring digital advertising traffic under their sole control and, with this announcement, that aim is now over. They’ve recognised that the regulatory obstacles to their monopolistic project are insurmountable and have given up.
“The last five years have proven the utility and value of interoperability such as 3PCs. Regulators are moving to guarantee interoperability just like they do in other sectors such as telecoms and utilities. Google moved before they were pushed. Digital is finally growing up. Hurrah!
“Now innovators can come forward with a multitude of ideas offering different features, including in non-price factors of competition such as privacy, sustainability, and customer experience. Competition on the merits will determine which ideas are adopted, not GApple gatekeepers.
“The digital advertising market has been operating in a fog of uncertainty for nearly five years as a result of Google’s abortive attempt to seize control. Endless millions of hours and dollars have been wasted by companies in preparation for this, and many millions more have been lost in opportunity cost and thwarted investment. That is unforgiveable and should add further urgency to the moves by the DoJ, EU and UK to clip GApple’s wings permanently with antitrust actions. No company should be allowed to hold an industry to ransom in this way.
“We trust that the CMA, EC, DoJ, and other regulators will remain vigilant to this threat and keep the project under observation.
“Apple must follow suit and reinstate unrestricted interoperability in iOS and Safari. The only question is; when?”