World’s broadcasters urge EU to tighten rules for big tech in smart TV battle
Google, Amazon, Apple and Samsung control operating systems, allowing them to act as gatekeepers, letter claims
TL;DR
- World's largest broadcasters are pressing the EU to impose tough regulations on virtual TVs and smart assistants from Google, Amazon, Apple, and Samsung.
- The Association of Commercial Television and Video on Demand Services in Europe (ACT), representing major broadcasters, sent a letter to the EU's antitrust chief.
- The letter claims big tech companies act as 'gatekeepers' by controlling operating systems and recommendation/search functions on smart TVs, potentially favoring their own content.
- Broadcasters want the EU Commission to designate major TV operating systems as gatekeepers to ensure fairness and contestability.
- This request is made amid existing tensions between European authorities and the US administration over the regulation of American tech companies.
- The EU is reportedly preparing to intensify enforcement of its anti-competition rules, which the US has labeled as discriminatory.