Google, Amazon defend home device business in antitrust hearing

Klobuchar said the expansion of technology giants into more at-home devices risks further consolidating the market, giving an advantage to established players. — Reuters

Alphabet Inc’s Google and Amazon.com Inc defended their smart-speaker businesses as US senators warned the grip the companies have over the market could harm competition and consumer privacy.

Republicans and Democrats at a hearing Tuesday raised concerns about what they said were anticompetitive practices such as selling devices below cost and promoting their own services over those of competitors on their platforms.