EU move vs Amazon is latest in string of tech crackdowns
The European Union's move to charge Amazon over alleged antitrust behavior is the latest in a string of crackdowns on big tech companies
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The European Union's move to charge Amazon over alleged antitrust behavior is the bloc's latest crackdown on U.S. tech giants. Here's a look at enforcement actions taken by the EU s competition commissioner, Margrethe Vestager, in recent years.
___
AMAZON
November 2020: The EU Commission files charges against Amazon accusing it of using internal data from independent merchants on its platform to unfairly compete against them with its own products. The commission also opens a second investigation into whether the e-commerce giant gives preference to some products and sellers that use its logistics and delivery systems.
___
APPLE
June 2020: EU Commission opens two investigations into Apple’s mobile app store and payment platform over concerns its practices distort competition by limiting choice and innovation and keeping prices high.
July 2020: EU court rules Apple doesn't have to pay back 13 billion euros ($15 billion) in back taxes to Ireland, in a stinging defeat for Vestager, who's been campaigning for years to root out special tax deals for multinational corporations. The commission is considering whether to appeal.
___
2019: The EU Commission launches a preliminary investigation into Facebook's data practices, focusing on how data is gathered, processed, used and monetized including for advertising. Facebook fought the EU's request for data over fears about disclosing sensitive or personal information. But a judge ordered both sides to find a solution so EU officials are setting up a separate “data room” to analyze the information, Vestager said Tuesday.
___
2020: The EU commission opens in-depth investigation into Google’s plan to buy fitness tracking device maker Fitbit for $2.1 billion, over concerns the deal would entrench its position in the online ad market by expanding the amount of data it can access. It's also carrying out a preliminary investigation into data practices for advertising purposes.
2019: EU Commission fines Google 1.49 billion euros for freezing out rivals in the online advertising business.
2018: EU Commission fines Google 4.34 billion euros for forcing smartphone makers that use its Android operating system to install Google search and browser apps. In response, Google gives European Android users a choice of browsers and search apps.
2017: EU commission fines Google 2.42 billion euros for unfairly favoring its own online shopping recommendations in its search results and demanded it changes the way it provides search results in Europe. Google is appealing all three cases.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.