Here’s the latest news from the technology industry, which is coming under increasing global scrutiny.
China Passes Far-Reaching Regulations To Protect User Privacy
China will soon boast one of the world’s strictest data privacy laws after the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) passed new regulations set to take effect Nov. 1, according to state media Xinhua and other news outlets on Friday (Aug. 20).
The new law says there must be a logical objective to the handling of people’s personal information and must be restricted to the “minimum scope necessary to achieve the goals of handling” data, according to Reuters. China has the world’s biggest online community, with about 989 million users in 2020.
Amazon Warns Sellers About Congressional Antitrust Push
Amazon has been warning third-party retailers on its site that potential antitrust rules now being debated in Congress could harm them, according to multiple reports Wednesday (Aug. 18).
The retail behemoth has been offering phone consultations about the legislation and its effects. Amazon told CNBC that it had sent an email after receiving inquiries from third-party sellers about the legislation, which was passed by a House Judiciary Committee in June and included several measures to scale back on the power of Big Tech.
New Amazon Website Blasts Antitrust Laws
Amazon is also trying to ensure sellers are on its side in the battle against proposed antitrust legislation through a website they unveiled Friday (Aug. 20) that lets sellers sign up to get information from the retail giant’s public policy team.
“We look forward to keeping you informed as we get more information about what this legislation could mean for you and providing you the opportunity to have your voice heard,” the website says. “We will also share ways we can work together to ensure Amazon remains a great place for our seller community.”
Facebook Hit With Amended FTC Anti-Competition Complaint
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s antitrust case against Facebook has been amended in a new complaint that charges the social media giant with violating federal antitrust laws in its acquisition of Instagram and WhatsApp, according to a press release by the agency on Thursday (Aug. 19).
The original charge was dismissed in June due to a lack of evidence. Still, the FTC filed a new complaint with more details, including an allegation that Facebook failed to create another avenue for its mobile features and instead “resorted to an illegal buy-or-bury scheme to maintain its dominance.”
UK CMA Flags Competition Concerns Over Chip-Maker NVIDIA’s Acquisition of Arm
The U.K. Competition and Markets Authority is looking into Silicon Valley chip maker NVIDIA’s planned acquisition of British chip designer Arm because of worries it would eliminate competition in that sector.
The CMA is examining whether competition would be scuttled if NVIDIA’s rivals had more limited access to Arm’s intellectual property (IP), which is used by NVIDIA competitors that manufacture semiconductor chips and related products today.
We’re always on the lookout for opportunities to partner with innovators and disruptors.
Learn More