Regulation across the whole economy is one of the principle mechanisms of consolidation. Vested interests sell regulation to the public as a "consumer protecti

Regulation across the whole economy is one of the principle mechanisms of consolidation. Vested interests sell regulation to the public as a "consumer protection" mechanism, then use regulatory capture as a tool to erect barriers to entry and impose complex rules that supersede common-law jurisdiction while giving them a range of tools to evade liability. The threat of competition is restrained, and a de facto collusive oligopoly can squeeze the market dry.