tech
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.