Big trouble for big tech? Six antitrust bills make it through the House Judiciary Committee

Washington, DC - All six antitrust bills targeting big tech have made their way past the House Judiciary Committee. If they become law, it could spell the end of major tech conglomerates as we know them. However, one proposal in particular has the muscle for the biggest change.

The Capitol in Washington DC, home of the Senate and the House of Representatives. (Stock image).
The Capitol in Washington DC, home of the Senate and the House of Representatives. (Stock image).  © 123RF/vichie81

The Ending Platform Monopolies Act was the last and most controversial act heard by the House Judiciary Committee on Thursday.

If passed, the legislation could result in dismantling major corporations such as Amazon, Google, Facebook, and Apple through forced division sell-offs, according to ArsTechnica.

A June 11 press release from Antitrust Subcommittee Chairman David Cicilline clarified that the bill "eliminates the ability of dominant platforms to leverage their control over across multiple business lines to self-preference and disadvantage competitors in ways that undermine free and fair competition."

The bill would affect companies who already own a platform they are providing competing services on. This could mean a company like Google would no longer be allowed to own and operate YouTube because the video platform's ad revenue drives Google to prioritize those search results.

Once the Federal Trade Commission or Department of Justice determine a subsidiary is a conflict of interest, a company will have a grace period of two years to terminate their relationship, or face steep penalties.

Additionally, of the other five bills approved, the American Innovation and Choice Online Act is similar and has the goal of protecting smaller businesses rivals who wield enough power to control prices to their advantage. Amazon is already facing scrutiny for using various tactics to force third party sellers to give all business back to Amazon.

Cover photo: 123RF/vichie81

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