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.