More on Facebook, virtual and augmented reality, and it’s long-term strategic play. Then, Tim Cook gave a remarkable speech on privacy; how much does Apple’s stance matter?
The Conflation of Consumer Welfare with Antitrust, More Panel Notes, Google to License Play Store in Europe
Thoughts and notes from the FTC discussion on digital platform and competition, plus how Google’s remedy in Europe will mean more of the same when it comes to Android.
WhatsApp Founder Speaks, EU Deception?, Facebook Ideology
More Facebook drama, this time from an interview with WhatsApp co-founder Brian Acton. What was most noteworthy, though was the response.
New Alexa Devices, Amazon and the EU Commission
Why is Amazon selling more Alexa devices? More broadly, do the company’s house brands leave it susceptible to an antitrust challenge?
The iPhone XR Delay, India, and China; Discriminatory Job Ads on Facebook; EU Versus Internet Follow-Up
More follow-up on the iPhone, then how discriminatory job ads on Facebook demonstrate how to police bad behavior on platforms with zero marginal costs. Plus, follow-up on The European Union Versus the Internet.
The European Commission Versus Android
Examining the history of Android explains why the European Commission may be right to fine Google for its actions around Android, even as the reasoning feels off.
Facebook Filter Foibles, The EU Copyright Directive, Yelp and the Three Approaches to Internet Content
Facebook provides a useful example of how automated filtering goes wrong, even as the E.U. mandates exactly that. A recent court case about Yelp shows that the U.S. has the best approach to content law.
Apple, China, and Trump; Google Invests in JD; The Value of the China Market
More on Apple’s challenges in the Chinese market, both in the past and going forward, and then why e-commerce companies are beating everyone else, both in China and the U.S. Then, why the China market is so attractive.
The Bill Gates Line
Understanding the differences between aggregators and platforms matters for companies interacting with them and also regulators considering antitrust.
Open, Closed, and Privacy
Just as encryption is only viable on closed systems, so it is that increased privacy regulations will only entrench walled gardens. That should affect thinking on regulation.