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Regulators on both sides of the Atlantic are taking aim at Big Tech giants.

The European Union recently announced investigations into the practices of Apple, Alphabet, and Meta, echoing the U.S. Justice Department’s recent antitrust lawsuit against Apple. This move aligns with the Biden administration’s efforts to foster fair competition in the technology sector and protect consumer interests.

However, there are significant differences in how these issues are addressed. While the European Union has implemented laws and established a specialized agency to regulate dominant digital platforms, the United States relies on courts to determine remedies for monopolistic behavior. This disparity has sparked debate over which approach will yield the most favorable outcomes in the long term.

In Europe, the focus is on swift resolution through legislative measures and regulatory oversight. On the other hand, the U.S. approach involves legal proceedings that can be slow and unpredictable. While landmark cases like the breakup of AT&T in 1982 demonstrate the potential impact of antitrust actions, they also highlight the challenges and uncertainties inherent in the process.

Moreover, the definition of monopoly power varies between jurisdictions. While Microsoft once held a near-monopoly in the operating system market, Apple’s dominance in the smartphone market is less clear-cut, with significant competition from other manufacturers like Samsung.

Some experts argue against the breakup of tech giants, emphasizing their role in driving innovation and economic growth. They suggest that targeting specific infractions with narrower injunctions may be a more effective approach than broad antitrust actions.

In contrast, the European Union’s Digital Markets Act identifies companies with dominant control over specific markets and imposes remedies for unfair practices. For instance, Apple is now required to allow app sellers in Europe to distribute their products through channels outside of its App Store.

Overall, while antitrust actions may not always yield the expected results, they play a crucial role in promoting competition and safeguarding consumer interests in an increasingly digital economy.