A new U.S. antitrust bill concerning tech companies, including Apple, received endorsement by the Department of Justice. If enacted, the new bill would allow federal antitrust agencies to issue civil penalties and injunctions against certain tech platforms.
The bill, known as the American Innovation and Choice Online Act, came about after reports surfaced stating that a number of tech companies were guilty of “deeply disturbing” anticompetitive behavior.
Apple Defends Antitrust Before Congress
Back in 2019, Apple CEO Tim Cook testified before Congress concerning Apple being investigated for anticompetitive behavior. Most of the concerns regarding Apple’s charges are in relation to its iOS App Store. Companies such as Tile, Spotify, and Hey claim that Apple gives itself an unfair advantage towards its own services. Additionally, Epic Games started a legal battle against the company after Apple removed Fortnite from the App Store.
Drafts of multiple antitrust bills entered into congress. While many of them varied in severity, it is the American Innovation and Choice Online Act that so far has made the most progress. Apple CEO Tim Cook has gone on record condemning the bill. Going so far as to lobby against the bill, though co-sponsor Senator Amy Klobuchar dismissed these notions.
In addition to Apple, the antitrust bill also targets larger tech companies such as Amazon and Google.
Currently, the bill does have bipartisan support in the Senate Judiciary Committee, though there is opposition form some in both houses.
Many of the aspects of the bill include various ways tech companies can be fined. Tech companies may also receive fines for unfairly referencing a platform’s products, or limiting another companies’ products. The bill also looks at discrimination in the application of enforcement concerning a platform’s terms of service. The bill also looks to give fines to tech companies that retaliate against users who report concerns.
Department of Justice Weighs In
On Monday, the Wall Street Journal reports that the Department of Justice has officially given its approval on the bill. The DOJ argues that the bill would enhance its ability at challenging anticompetitive behavior. The Department also argues that this new bill may allow growth for new tech companies.
The American Innovation and Choice Online Act also clarifies the kinds of conduct Congress views as illegal. Currently, the bill is waiting on the Senate.
Nitpicky: title should be “Rein”