Washington will lag behind EU on tech antitrust action

Subject

Tech antitrust trends.

Significance

The European Commission’s imposition of a 2.4-billion-euro fine on Google on June 27 adds to claims that the EU authorities have a discriminatory approach towards US tech firms. However, there is growing concern in the United States as well as Europe that the domination of the tech sector by a few giant firms is stifling competition and the market.

Impacts

• Tech companies will face further challenges to their market power from antitrust authorities in both developed and emerging economies.
• US debates against market concentration will go beyond tech and include broadband, aviation and other consumer services.
• Even then, any anti-trust action will be fiercely contested by the incumbent internet companies.