Society collectively decides what is wrong through laws: that’s a useful bright line for platforms. Then, YouTube is demonstrating its market power, and Google and Amazon are acting like monopolies.
“Light Touch”, Cable, and DSL; The Broadband Tradeoff; The Importance of Antitrust
Follow-up on net neutrality, and why the evidence suggests that less regulation has indeed spurred more investment; antitrust, though, is key.
The Department of Justice Sues to Block the AT&T-Time Warner Acquisition, The DOJ’s Case, AT&T’s Objections
The DOJ is suing to block AT&T from acquiring Time Warner; the case is stronger than precedent might seem, because precedent is actually on the government’s side. Politics, though, loom large.
Antitrust Philosophy, Two More Follow-Ups, Spectacles Inventory — and Mea Culpas
A discussion of the differences between antitrust and more general regulation, and why acquisitions are the most problematic issue. Then, Spectacles inventory is building up, which calls for a mea culpa by me.
Why Facebook Shouldn’t Be Allowed to Buy tbh
Facebook is acquiring tbh, another burgeoning social network; regulators erred in allowing the Instagram and WhatsApp acquisitions, but there is no better place to start enforcing the law than now.
The End of AOL Instant Messenger, Innovation Versus Interoperability, Portability > Interoperability
AOL Instant Messenger is dead, and there is a new debate as to whether interoperability killed it. The answer is almost certainly no, but that doesn’t necessarily mean interoperability is a bad thing…or is it?
Defining Aggregators
Building on Aggregation Theory, this provides a precise definition of the characteristics of aggregators, and a classification system based on suppliers. Plus, how to think about aggregator regulation.
Everything is Changing; So Should Antitrust
WPP is dealing with not only a changing advertising industry but a changing world, thanks to the Internet. Antitrust needs to change as well.
Google and The New America Foundation, Google’s Monopoly, Google’s Stupidity
Google allegedly had a think tank team fired for suggesting the company was a monopoly; it was a stupid action that makes the case.
Microsoft’s Monopoly Hangover
There are striking similarities between Microsoft today and IBM in the Lou Gerstner era, but today’s IBM should be a warning to Redmond.