New Act May Reduce Apple, Amazon, and Google Dominance

On Thursday, it became known that senators intend to submit for consideration a new nondiscrimination bill, which could significantly change the digital market and the distribution of power in e-commerce. It was named the American Choice and Innovation Online Act. It was created to prevent platforms like Amazon, Apple, Google, and other giants from using their "weight" to promote their own products at the expense of competitors' products.

Not so long ago, Reuters and The Markup reported that they conducted a global study of Amazon's work and revealed that the company copied some items and deliberately distorted user search results so that their products appeared first. Smaller sellers have talked about this dishonest behavior for a long time, but now it is a proven fact.

Senators Amy Klobuchar and Chuck Grassley, who are behind the creation of this act, say they strive to make the competition live in the market so that every merchant has the opportunity to present their product to the end-user. According to them, when big giants promote their things to the detriment of other companies, it hurts small businesses and increases consumer spending, depriving them of choice.

Besides, the bill may also change the rules of conduct for companies on marketplaces. In particular, they may be prohibited from giving preference to their own software. Striking examples happened quite recently and are primarily associated with payment methods. Recollect the conflict between Apple and Epic Games or Fortnite and Google.

While this act may indeed revive competition, many critics believe it will not benefit end consumers. According to Adam Kovacevich, the Chamber of Progress CEO, it will only ruin the user experience. What do you think about it? Will you support the new bill?