US regulators wary of Big Tech swallowing startups

Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Microsoft carried out hundreds of deals in recent years that were too small to be reported to authorities for approval, the FTC heard at its meeting. Slaughter (pic) said regulators need this type of broader perspective, and that reviewing acquisitions individually was insufficient. — AFP

SAN FRANCISCO: US antitrust regulators signalled on Sept 15 greater scrutiny of Big Tech giants’ smaller acquisitions, a potential new avenue in efforts to curb the dominance of the companies.

Google’s parent Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Microsoft carried out hundreds of deals in recent years that were too small to be reported to authorities for approval, the Federal Trade Commission heard at its meeting.