In the past year, the landscape of antitrust litigation has taken on a new life, putting tech titans like Google and Meta under intense scrutiny. Recently, three historic rulings have been issued against Google/Alphabet in crucial areas such as search, advertising, and payment systems. Meanwhile, the lawsuit filed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) against Meta has gone to trial, raising expectations for significant changes in the regulation of the digital environment.
These antitrust cases raise a debate that goes beyond price reduction; it is a struggle for control and the future of the internet. The increasing consolidation of social media platforms has created a series of problems affecting freedom of expression and user privacy. If the FTC successfully prosecutes Meta, the company could be broken up, forcing more effective competition. This scenario would not only enrich the social media ecosystem, but also pave the way for new forms of communication characterized by more transparent moderation policies.
Promoting competition has become vital in creating a healthier online environment. For example, in the case of Epic Games v. Google, there is a debate about the possibility of a court order forcing Google to open its app store to other competitors. Despite Google’s alarmist response, arguing that this measure could compromise user security, the truth is that monopolies often fail in this area. The lack of significant alternatives prevents consumers from effectively blocking app tracking on Android, which could change if more competitors enter the market, incentivizing Google to improve its practices.
The success of these antitrust litigations could pave the way for a more diverse and dynamic digital environment, where users are not at the mercy of the arbitrary decisions of a monopoly, but rather enjoy the freedom to choose from various options that prioritize their privacy and well-being.
Source: MiMub in Spanish
