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How Big Tech is faring against US antitrust lawsuits
AppleApple(US:AAPL) Reutersยท2025-11-18 20:22

Core Insights - The U.S. antitrust enforcement is intensifying against major tech companies, including Alphabet, Meta, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia, focusing on their market dominance and competitive practices [1][2]. Alphabet (Google) - Google is currently involved in two significant antitrust cases, one requiring it to share search data with competitors and another regarding its online advertising technology [3][5]. - A judge ruled that Google must share data to enhance competition in online search and cannot enter exclusive agreements with device makers [3][4]. - Google is appealing the ruling, which may delay compliance, while it has already begun to adjust its agreements with device manufacturers and carriers [4][6]. Meta Platforms - Meta is facing an antitrust trial initiated by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) aimed at reversing its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp, with evidence suggesting strategic purchases to eliminate competition [7]. - The judge overseeing the case is not expected to make a ruling until late 2025 [8]. Amazon - Amazon is under scrutiny from the FTC and state enforcers for allegedly using anti-competitive tactics to maintain its dominance in online retail [9]. - The FTC claims that Amazon's pricing algorithm has led to increased costs for U.S. households by over $1 billion, although Amazon asserts that the algorithm was discontinued in 2019 [10]. - A trial regarding these allegations is scheduled for February 2027 [10]. Apple - Apple is being sued by the Justice Department and a coalition of states for restricting competition by limiting app and device makers, which keeps iPhone users within its ecosystem [11]. - Apple's motion to dismiss the case was rejected, with information exchange deadlines extending into early 2027, and no trial date set yet [11]. Microsoft - The FTC has opened a probe into Microsoft for potentially abusing its market power in productivity software, but no formal case has been filed yet [12]. Nvidia - The Justice Department is investigating Nvidia, a leading semiconductor company, particularly in relation to its role in powering artificial intelligence applications, but no lawsuit has been initiated [13].