3 ms·

It would be cynical in the case of lower profile companies just looking to get their way. In the case of at least two $400 billion+ companies - combined market

It would be cynical in the case of lower profile companies just looking to get their way. In the case of at least two $400 billion+ companies - combined market cap of nearly $1 trillion and the bedrock our country's image of technology supremacy - the rules change. Members of Congress, senators, and many of their constituents directly or indirectly hold shares in one or both of these companies. It is unfathomable to me that once brought to their attention (through lobbying and donations) that these kinds of threats to companies like Google and Facebook would not be legislatively blocked.

Retric 10y ago
'Breaking' the internet for 50+ million people is a no go, they would just add a 10$ / month fee at the ISP level just like music CD's, because company's just want money and politicians want to get elected.
skybrian 10y ago
You do realize they're closer to the Democrat's side on most issues? The Democrats aren't doing so well lately.
gerdesj 10y ago
"Members of Congress ... that these kinds of threats to companies like Google and Facebook would not be legislatively blocked." and how would that affect say me (in the UK)?
- virmundi 10y ago
  Hard to say. Since you're a finger in the Hand, I guess the palm would tell you to fold.
  - jorvi 10y ago
    ..when in comes the EU, who have successfully penalized and stared down Facebook, Intel, Apple and Microsoft. And which is either the biggest (until the Brits have officially left) or the third biggest economy in the world. You can't simply ignore them, even as a company of Google or Apple's size.
    - tyingq 10y ago
      The EU had two different pending antitrust sanctions for Google, one around shopping ads and one around Android. Then nothing more about it since about mid 2016. Are those still pending?
    - petre 10y ago
      This is mainly a covert trade war with the US due to taxes. The US has also succesfully penalized VW.
    - bigbugbag 10y ago
      The brits may not leave, the english will but the scots may leave the UK to stay in the EU which may domino effect northern ireland to leave too and last I check London was thinking about segregating to become a city state to stay in the EU. Also a few islands are expected to be offered to join Spain the minute brexit is acted. EU rules prevents EU members from dealing directly with a part of a EU member so no negociation are possible with any member of the UK until brexit. Let's see if the scottish referendum happens...
- deleted 10y ago
  [deleted]

Retric 10y ago

'Breaking' the internet for 50+ million people is a no go, they would just add a 10$ / month fee at the ISP level just like music CD's, because company's just want money and politicians want to get elected.

skybrian 10y ago

You do realize they're closer to the Democrat's side on most issues? The Democrats aren't doing so well lately.

gerdesj 10y ago

"Members of Congress ... that these kinds of threats to companies like Google and Facebook would not be legislatively blocked." and how would that affect say me (in the UK)?

virmundi 10y ago
Hard to say. Since you're a finger in the Hand, I guess the palm would tell you to fold.
- jorvi 10y ago
  ..when in comes the EU, who have successfully penalized and stared down Facebook, Intel, Apple and Microsoft. And which is either the biggest (until the Brits have officially left) or the third biggest economy in the world. You can't simply ignore them, even as a company of Google or Apple's size.
  - tyingq 10y ago
    The EU had two different pending antitrust sanctions for Google, one around shopping ads and one around Android. Then nothing more about it since about mid 2016. Are those still pending?
  - petre 10y ago
    This is mainly a covert trade war with the US due to taxes. The US has also succesfully penalized VW.
  - bigbugbag 10y ago
    The brits may not leave, the english will but the scots may leave the UK to stay in the EU which may domino effect northern ireland to leave too and last I check London was thinking about segregating to become a city state to stay in the EU. Also a few islands are expected to be offered to join Spain the minute brexit is acted. EU rules prevents EU members from dealing directly with a part of a EU member so no negociation are possible with any member of the UK until brexit. Let's see if the scottish referendum happens...
deleted 10y ago
[deleted]