// Blog
Monopoly power, AI and ideology at #rp25
Rebalance Now will be represented four times at re:publica from May 26 to 28. We are looking forward to the exchange on site! We will be covering various topics relating to digital monopolies, AI and competition.
Interoperability and openness between different governance models: Mastodon/Threads and Wikipedia/Google
What does it actually take for alternatives to big tech offerings to prevail – and remain different? Aline Blankertz and Svea Windwehr explored this question in the TechREG Chronicle of Competition Policy International.
“Much more could be done with competition law” – Digital expert Aline Blankertz on the fight against digital monopolies
Aline Blankertz in a KNA interview about digital monopolies and the current antitrust proceedings against Google & Co., courtesy of the KNA media service
Break up once, twice or even three times!
Progress is being made in several proceedings in the USA that could lead to a break-up of big tech companies. In addition to a possible sale of Google’s powerful advertising platforms, a sale of the Chrome browser is also on the table in the Google search proceedings. And proceedings are also underway regarding Meta, which could end in the sale of Instagram and WhatsApp. Where do the proceedings stand, what could happen next and what does this mean for digital markets?
Most company takeovers by Big Tech remain unchecked
The big tech companies are expanding their dominance inconspicuously through mergers and acquisitions. Most of these deals escape the scrutiny of the competition authorities, according to an analysis by the Dutch organization SOMO. This is a problem for innovation, diversity and fair competition. We need better merger control.
EU must force Google to comply with the DMA
Together with companies, NGOs and consumer protection organizations, we are calling on the EU Commission to take action against Google’s non-compliance with the Digital Markets Act. Especially in turbulent times like these, it is important that the EU stands by its principles and protects European citizens and companies from the abuse of power by dominant tech companies.
Open letter: Protecting democracy, promoting the public interest
Together with more than 75 organisations, we are calling on the negotiators of the German parties CDU/CSU and SPD to take concrete steps towards the control of digital platforms and digitalisation for the public interest. This includes the strict enforcement of EU rules, the closing of regulatory loopholes and the strengthening of public interest-oriented platform alternatives.
German election programs in check
Do the election manifestos of the major parties have the power of the big companies in mind? What do they say about the monopoly power of the big tech companies and their dominance in AI? How do they view market power in the food sector, unfair trade practices and inflation? How would you like to develop competition law further?
Rebalance Now is growing
We are delighted that Aline Blankertz will be joining our team as Tech Economy Lead from March 1! Aline is an economist and, in addition to her experience in digital and data policy, brings many years of practice in competition economic analysis to us. Her arrival is made possible by a grant from Stiftung Mercator GmbH for Rebalance Now, for which we would like to express our sincere thanks.
After Trump’s inauguration: NGOs call on the EU to take a clear stance against the influence of tech companies
35 European NGOs call on the EU Commission to strictly enforce its rules against tech companies in an open letter.
Tech companies under pressure – a news overview
How the US Department of Justice wants to break Google’s monopoly power +++ When the antitrust proceedings against Meta will start +++ How Amazon is preventing lower prices in online retail +++ Why the Federal Cartel Office cannot investigate the takeover of AI start-ups by Microsoft
Splitting up Google is the right way to go
According to a report by Bloomberg, the US government wants to force Google to sell Chrome. We welcome the US Department of Justice’s proposals to limit Google’s monopoly power.
