Core Viewpoint - Opera has filed a complaint with Brazil's antitrust agency CADE, accusing Microsoft of anti-competitive practices in promoting its Edge browser, which has negatively impacted Opera's market position as the third most popular PC browser in Brazil [1][3]. Group 1: Allegations Against Microsoft - Opera claims that Microsoft has employed various "manipulative design strategies" to persuade Windows users to adopt Edge, effectively blocking competition by pre-installing Edge and creating barriers for users to download other browsers [3][8]. - Specific tactics include forcing Edge to open links from Microsoft applications like Outlook and Teams, regardless of user settings for default browsers, and promoting Edge prominently in Bing search results while downplaying Chrome's download link [8][10]. Group 2: Impact on Opera - The competitive landscape has shifted since Microsoft transitioned Edge to the Chromium engine, diminishing Opera's performance advantage, which previously allowed it to attract a loyal user base due to its speed and unique features [6][12]. - Microsoft's strategies have limited Opera's visibility and accessibility, making it increasingly difficult for the browser to reach potential users, thereby exacerbating its challenges in a market dominated by larger players like Chrome and Edge [12][14].

Core Viewpoint - Brazil's antitrust regulator, CADE, has suggested a ruling against Apple, accusing the company of anti-competitive behavior within its iOS ecosystem [1] Group 1: Regulatory Actions - CADE's statement was released on June 30, indicating that it found evidence of abuse by Apple [1] - The investigation was prompted by complaints from companies like MercadoLibre in 2022, alleging that Apple restricted the distribution of digital goods and in-app purchases [1] - CADE recommends imposing fines and behavioral remedies to address the identified anti-competitive issues [1]

Core Viewpoint - OpenAI executives are discussing allegations of anti-competitive behavior by its primary supporter, Microsoft, during their collaboration [1] Group 1: Allegations and Actions - OpenAI may seek federal regulatory review of its contract terms with Microsoft to determine potential violations of antitrust laws [1] - The company is considering launching public advocacy efforts related to these allegations [1]

Core Viewpoint - OpenAI executives discussed allegations of anti-competitive behavior by Microsoft during their collaboration [1] Group 1 - The discussions regarding Microsoft's alleged anti-competitive practices occurred while OpenAI was working with the company [1]

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Court of Appeals has denied Apple's request to pause the enforcement of a ruling that requires the company to allow App Store developers to direct users to purchase in-app goods online without paying a commission [1][2]. Group 1: Legal Proceedings - The San Francisco Federal Appeals Court's decision is a setback for Apple in its long-standing dispute with Epic Games regarding the App Store's dominance in the smartphone software market [1]. - Apple is appealing the April ruling that found the company engaged in anti-competitive behavior, which led to a 2021 injunction against the company [1][3]. - The Appeals Court stated that after reviewing relevant factors, it deemed that a stay of enforcement was not appropriate [1]. Group 2: Financial Implications - The April ruling has weakened Apple's substantial revenue from the App Store by prohibiting the company from charging commissions on transactions outside the App Store [1]. - Apple is now allowing developers to direct users to complete in-app purchases online but requires them to pay a 27% revenue share to Apple [2]. Group 3: Developer Response - Several developers, including Epic, Amazon, and Spotify, have modified their applications to allow customers to bypass Apple's payment system [2]. - Epic Games has accused Apple of contempt for violating the 2021 injunction, which has led to further legal scrutiny [3].

Core Viewpoint - Amazon's pricing rules are deemed an abuse of market power by Germany's competition watchdog, potentially leading to demands for changes in its business practices in Germany, which is Europe's largest economy [3][4]. Group 1: Market Position - Amazon accounts for approximately 60% of online retail revenue in Germany, highlighting its dominant position in the market [3][5]. - The Federal Cartel Office has raised concerns about Amazon's influence on pricing, particularly as it competes directly with other marketplace retailers on its platform [4][6]. Group 2: Regulatory Actions - The German regulator has initiated an investigation into Amazon's pricing rules, which began in November 2022, focusing on the implications of price caps imposed on third-party sellers [6]. - Amazon has the opportunity to respond to the regulator's preliminary ruling, indicating ongoing discussions regarding its business practices [5]. Group 3: Company Response - Amazon disputes the findings of the cartel office, asserting that its pricing rules benefit customers by ensuring competitive pricing, availability, and delivery speed [5][6]. - The company faces additional allegations of anti-competitive behavior from US regulators, further complicating its regulatory landscape [6].

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission have initiated a public investigation into anti-competitive practices, specifically seeking information regarding unfair behaviors in the live ticket sales industry [1] Group 1 - The investigation aims to address concerns about potential anti-competitive actions within the live ticket sales market [1] - The inquiry reflects growing scrutiny over the practices of companies involved in ticket sales, which may impact pricing and availability for consumers [1] - This move indicates a broader regulatory focus on ensuring fair competition in various industries, including entertainment and live events [1]