As US regulators slowly chase Big Tech, a new AI order is forming
American regulators are slowly trying to catch up to Amazon and Google. But by the time they get there, a new monopoly in AI may have already formed.
If nothing else, the Biden Administration’s Federal Trade Commission has moxie. After putting Meta and Microsoft in its crosshairs on Wednesday it launched an antitrust case against Amazon.
The e-commerce giant is accused of stifling competition by punishing sellers for offering their wares for cheaper prices on other sites, and forcing them to use its delivery and logistics services. Amazon counters by saying its platform results in more choice and faster delivery for buyers, and more options for sellers.
Like the Department of Justice's monopoly suit against Google, where the company is accused of using anticompetitive practices to maintain its search-engine monopoly, this is a landmark case that will play out over years. FTC chair Lina Khan wouldn't discuss remedies but did not rule out breaking up or restructuring Amazon's business.
"It's too early to say if they are going to have a strong case," said Barbora Jedlickova, senior lecturer at the TC Beirne School of Law, "but it is an exciting case because they will be testing certain things that haven't been tested before".
