Posted on 07/27/2020 10:11:28 AM PDT by ransomnote
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Silicon Valley's technology has changed the world, allowing people around the globe to stay connected even during an unprecedented pandemic. But the success of Facebook, Amazon, Apple and Google's parent company, Alphabet -- and the four men who lead those companies -- has brought about another unprecedented phenomenon: the stunning amount of control Silicon Valley has over what the world sees, reads, buys and does online.
How much control? Facebook is the world's largest social network, with a user base roughly equal to the world's two most populous countries combined. Amazon controls 38% of US online sales -- Walmart, its nearest competitor, had just shy of 6% -- and has data on other retailers using the giant platform. Apple's App Store is a powerful gateway for software developers to find an audience with the company's massive iPhone and iPad customer base. And Google processes about 90% of all web searches globally.
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Each of the four companies is facing its own antitrust battle. All of them are reportedly targets of probes by the Department of Justice or a coalition of state attorneys general. Google and Facebook have confirmed various investigations, while Amazon and Apple haven't publicly acknowledged them.
With Facebook, which was originally scheduled to report second-quarter earnings on Wednesday but moved them to Thursday, regulators are looking into the company's acquisitions of competitors like Instagram and WhatsApp. For Amazon, Congress has largely focused on the company's private-label business, which sells Amazon brands of clothing, food and consumer goods like batteries and diapers. Apple has seen scrutiny over the cut it takes from software developers on its app store. For Google, regulators are focused mainly on the search giant's dominance in digital advertising.
At Wednesday's hearing, all those disparate threads will intersect like a very wonky and nerdy crossover episode. Republicans have also called for Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey to join the hearing, in the wake of a massive security breach earlier this month. Dorsey isn't on the witness list.
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Reckoning?? This is just a shake down to get more campaign donations.
They should be treated as they treat others—they should not be allowed to speak—karma is a b*&^%.
A shake down? Are you kidding me?
It’s as plain as day that these companies are monopolies that violate the entire purpose of the Sherman Anti Trust Act etc.
With no football in sight, let’s practice the Tech Cheer:
Gimmie an F for Facebook.
Gimmie an A for Amazon
Gimmie a G for Google
Gimmie an S for Snapchat.
What’s that Spell
FAGS
What’s that Spell
FAGS
Go FAGS FAGS FAGS.
They are much bigger, smarter and more powerful than Congress. Congress will do nothing; or worse do what big tech tells them to do.
Big tech has become big evil, Goebbels’s dream.
These companies are dependent on utilities and internet backbones to do what they do....they can swagger but the governments’ state and federal control the dagger! Cut their internet access and electrical power and they are done!
Google and Facebook are supremely evil companies.
Sternly worded letter to follow, no doubt.
If they produced they products in the USA with American labor I would be on their side. If....
Where is Twitter?
Oh no heading to congress again. They have lied in the past with nothing done. They will just lie again.
Congress demanding more bribe money. Pelosi received many shares from Amazon and made at least $6 million so far this year. If you think that her and her husband actually risked their own money then people are naive.
and Micorsoft?
They will bring their donation checks to the DNC, and all kumbaya.
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