The antitrust overhaul package unveiled in Congress targeting Big Tech, if enacted, could have far-reaching effects on how people use the Internet and on America’s biggest and most successful companies.
The five bills, due for a committee vote on Wednesday, could pave the way for a reorganisation or breakup of giants such as Google, Facebook, Apple, and Amazon while reshaping the entire internet ecosystem.
The measures would stop tech giants from operating a platform for third parties while offering competing services on those platforms, dealing a major blow to the likes of Apple and Amazon.
Lawmakers also are seeking to ban tech firms from prioritising their own products or services, with Google clearly in mind.
Another measure would require data “portability” and “interoperability,” which could make it easier for people to quit Facebook, for example, while keeping their data and contacts.
