EU unveils ‘revolutionary’ laws to curb big tech firms’ power

Phones often come preset with weather, maps, calculator and email apps, some of which are difficult to delete. This will no longer be allowed. Photograph: Jenny Kane/AP

The EU has unveiled a set of “revolutionary” laws to curb the power of six big tech companies, including allowing consumers to decide what apps they want on their phone and to delete pre-loaded software such as Google or Apple’s maps apps.

The package of laws will also pave the way for more competition in some of the areas most closely guarded by the tech firms, including Apple Wallet and Google Pay.