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EU regulators mull easing merger rules for telcos and Big Tech to help pay network costs

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

EU regulators mull easing merger rules for telcos and Big Tech to help pay network costs

EU regulators are considering easing their regulations on mobile telecoms mergers and expanding telecoms rules to include Big Tech companies in funding the 5G rollout. Fragmentation of the EU market for electronic communications networks and services along national borders could hinder operators' ability to invest in future networks. Commission Vice-President Margrethe Vestager will present the proposal on February 21, seeking input from stakeholders before finalizing any decisions.

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A look at how European regulators are cracking down on Big Tech

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

A look at how European regulators are cracking down on Big Tech

European regulators have taken several actions against Big Tech companies to ensure fair competition and prevent monopolistic practices. These actions include a $2 billion EU antitrust fine imposed on Apple for hindering payment options for music streaming services outside its App Store. Google also faced a 2.42 billion euro EU antitrust fine, and there are discussions about requiring it to divest part of its adtech business. Additionally, Microsoft's investment in OpenAI is being scrutinized for potential violation of EU merger rules. Similar investigations and probes have taken place in the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands.

EU vs Big Tech: the cases keep mounting

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

EU vs Big Tech: the cases keep mounting

The European Union has initiated various investigations and complaints against big tech companies concerning user data and privacy issues. Amazon has been asked to provide information about its compliance with the Digital Services Act (DSA). Meta (formerly Facebook) has faced allegations of breaching digital competition rules by giving users the option to pay for ad-free versions of its platforms. Microsoft's partnership with OpenAI is being scrutinized by EU regulators. The EU has accused Microsoft of violating antitrust rules by bundling its Teams app with its business software. Apple has been charged with breaching the EU's Digital Markets Act for its App Store rules. The EU is also planning to impose customs duties on goods bought from Chinese online retailers.

AI deals between Microsoft and OpenAI, Google and Samsung, in EU crosshairs

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

AI deals between Microsoft and OpenAI, Google and Samsung, in EU crosshairs

The European Union (EU) may launch an antitrust investigation into Microsoft's collaboration with OpenAI due to concerns over exclusivity clauses, while Google's AI deal with Samsung is also under scrutiny. EU regulators are seeking additional perspectives to understand the potential negative impact on competitors. This highlights worldwide unease about tech giants leveraging their dominance in the AI sector. EU competition chief, Margrethe Vestager, has sent information requests to major tech companies regarding their AI partnerships. Microsoft's partnership with OpenAI will not be subject to EU merger rules, but concerns persist regarding Big Tech blocking smaller AI developers. Google's arrangement with Samsung is also being examined, as are acqui-hires, where one company acquires another primarily for talent.

Google to be hit with EU charges of breaching Big Tech rules, sources say

Economic Times

Economic Times · 6m ago

Google to be hit with EU charges of breaching Big Tech rules, sources say

Alphabet's Google faces EU charges over breaching Big Tech rules, as its search results changes failed to ease EU antitrust concerns. The European Commission's move follows tensions with the US, amid investigations into Google potentially favoring its services over rivals, violating the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Despite proposed changes by Google, EU regulators remain dissatisfied, with charges expected soon alongside ongoing probes into Apple and Meta.

EU mulls easing merger rules for telecoms, Big Tech to help pay network costs

Reuters · 1y ago

EU mulls easing merger rules for telecoms, Big Tech to help pay network costs

EU regulators are considering relaxing rules on telecoms mergers and expanding telecoms regulations to encourage Big Tech companies and others to contribute to the rollout of 5G, according to a European Commission document. The document highlights the fragmented nature of the European telecoms market and suggests that cross-border consolidation or cooperation could help operators achieve the necessary scale for investment in future networks. The scope of existing telecoms rules could also be extended to address the convergence between electronic communications networks and cloud services. Feedback from stakeholders will be sought on the document.

TikTok challenges EU supervisory fee, following Meta's footsteps

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

TikTok challenges EU supervisory fee, following Meta's footsteps

Chinese social media platform TikTok is contesting an EU supervisory fee that covers regulators' monitoring costs under new EU rules. The fee, which is 0.05% of TikTok's annual worldwide net income, was challenged by Meta Platforms as well. As part of the Digital Services Act, 20 large online platforms, including TikTok and Meta, are required to pay the fee based on their average monthly active users and financial performance. TikTok is appealing the fee, citing concerns about flawed user number estimates. The European Commission plans to defend its position in court.

Germany wants Big Tech to pay towards compliance costs of new digital law

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

Germany wants Big Tech to pay towards compliance costs of new digital law

Germany is urging Big Tech companies like Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, ByteDance, Meta Platforms, and Microsoft to contribute to the compliance costs of new EU regulations designed to limit their influence. The Digital Markets Act (DMA) requires these companies to comply with a set of rules by March 7. The proposed financing model for these costs would be similar to that of the Digital Services Act (DSA), where large online platforms pay a supervisory fee based on their annual worldwide net income. Additionally, Germany suggests EU antitrust enforcers prioritize key sectors with international significance to enhance European competitiveness.

Big Tech's acquihire deals face regulatory scrutiny, outgoing EU antitrust official says - The Economic Times

Economic Times

Economic Times · 22d ago

Big Tech's acquihire deals face regulatory scrutiny, outgoing EU antitrust official says - The Economic Times

The European Union is planning stricter regulations for Big Tech's "acquihire" deals, where tech giants hire talent from startups. These practices are seen as ways to bypass antitrust rules. Outgoing EU antitrust head Olivier Guersent encourages national agencies to investigate such deals. The EU is using call-in provisions for better scrutiny. Acquihires can be seen as mergers, impacting effective competition, prompting the EU to push national regulators for proactive measures.

Meta says EU antitrust regulators are discriminating against its business model - The Economic Times

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1m ago

Meta says EU antitrust regulators are discriminating against its business model - The Economic Times

Meta Platforms has criticized EU antitrust regulators, claiming discrimination against its business model and shifting compliance expectations. Despite this, Meta has actively engaged in discussions and made significant changes to its operations. A Meta spokesperson stated that their offerings in the EU not only comply with regulations but exceed them. The company remains confident in its approach, seeking to align with EU rules while addressing concerns about its pay-or-consent model.

Microsoft's OpenAI partnership could face EU antitrust probe, sources say

Livemint

Livemint · 1y ago

Microsoft's OpenAI partnership could face EU antitrust probe, sources say

Microsoft's investment of $13 billion in OpenAI could face an antitrust investigation from the European Union (EU), as regulators are gathering evidence to determine if the partnership restricts competition within the EU internal market or if Microsoft's market power distorts the market through certain practices. The EU antitrust regulator has reportedly decided not to investigate the partnership under EU merger rules but may still opt for an antitrust investigation. Microsoft has a non-voting position on the OpenAI board and claims no ownership of the ChatGPT maker. The investigation is still in its early stages and no decision has been made.

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