Major tech companies like Google and Facebook will have to abide by new UK competition rules or risk facing huge fines.

According to foreign media, the Telegraph reports, the new Digital Markets Unit (DMU) will be given powers to crack down on "predatory practices" of some firms.

The regulator will also have the power to fine companies up to 10% of their global turnover if they do not follow the rules.

In addition to increasing competition between technology firms, the rules also aim to give users more control over their data.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sports (DCMS) said that in addition to large fines, tech firms could be fined an additional 5% of their daily global turnover for each day a violation continues.

And for companies like Apple this could be tens of billions of US dollars.

However, it is unclear exactly when the changes will take effect, as the British Government has said that the necessary legislation will be introduced "in due course".

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Telegraphy

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