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BOMBSHELL: Potential Criminal Activity Revealed in the Kroger-Albertsons Merger

BIG by Matt Stoller β€’ 34149 implied HN points β€’ 21 Feb 24
πŸ’Ό Business Mergers Antitrust Monopoly Regulation
  1. The Kroger-Albertsons merger faces challenges due to potential criminal activity discovered, leading to antitrust suits and trials to block the deal.
  2. The merger could worsen the grocery market situation with fewer stores, higher prices, and data implications for suppliers, consumers, and workers.
  3. Evidence found of Kroger and Albertsons colluding in wage suppression by avoiding hiring each other's workers, raising concerns and prompting legal action.

The TikTok Problem Is Not What You Think

BIG by Matt Stoller β€’ 28992 implied HN points β€’ 15 Mar 24
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ U.S. Politics Privacy Consumer Protection Antitrust Foreign Relations Legislation
  1. The U.S. government is taking significant actions to address privacy and data protection, with legislation forcing a divestment of TikTok being part of a broader strategy.
  2. Recent legal actions by the Biden administration are reshaping how data brokers operate and enforce consumer protection laws in relation to sensitive consumer data.
  3. The debate over TikTok ownership highlights concerns about foreign control of key social infrastructure and the need for governance to prioritize the sovereignty of the people.

Out with a Bang as FTC Beats the PharmaBros

BIG by Matt Stoller β€’ 39535 implied HN points β€’ 30 Dec 23
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ U.S. Politics Antitrust Crypto Private Equity Legislation
  1. FTC achieved a significant victory in a merger case which could impact corporate America
  2. Judge Rakoff ruled that certain crypto assets are securities, setting a precedent for regulation in the crypto space
  3. Private equity firm involvement in a rent-fixing scheme highlights potential liabilities for such ownership arrangements

Did Google, Facebook, and Amazon Endorse Jim Crow?

BIG by Matt Stoller β€’ 25210 implied HN points β€’ 02 Mar 24
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ U.S. Politics Monopoly Antitrust Regulation Civil Rights First Amendment
  1. The Supreme Court is currently considering a case involving tech giants like Google, Facebook, and Amazon and the question of whether economic regulations for these platforms are unconstitutional under the First Amendment.
  2. The case has broad societal implications, touching on antitrust, privacy, civil rights, and speech liability claims against big tech firms. The argument raised questions about the extent of tech companies' rights to make decisions like racial segregation or account deletions based on political views.
  3. The case illustrates how the influence of Robert Bork, a conservative antitrust lawyer, has shaped modern American corporate state, particularly the broad support for a society run by big tech, challenging the traditional role of democratically elected officials in regulating private tech platforms.
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The Middleman Economy: Why Realtors Just Took a Big Loss and Homebuyers Might Benefit

BIG by Matt Stoller β€’ 38389 implied HN points β€’ 02 Nov 23
πŸ’Ό Business Real Estate Antitrust Market Dynamics Legal Actions
  1. A $1.8 billion antitrust decision against the National Association of Realtors for price-fixing could change the housing market.
  2. The high commission structure for real estate agents in the U.S. could lead to changes in how homes are bought and sold.
  3. Private enforcement of antitrust laws is important in challenging monopolistic practices and promoting fair competition in the real estate industry.

The $25B Kroger-Albertsons Merger Is Going to Fail

BIG by Matt Stoller β€’ 19710 implied HN points β€’ 28 Feb 24
πŸ’Ό Business Antitrust Monopoly Merger Labor Politics
  1. The $25 billion Kroger-Albertsons merger is facing challenges as the Federal Trade Commission and nine states sue to block it due to potential negative impacts on consumer prices and wages.
  2. The case is significant because it involves a novel application of antitrust law, focusing on labor grounds and the impact on union bargaining terms.
  3. The merger's potential consequences, including higher prices and lower wages, have sparked political response from politicians and unions, indicating widespread concern and opposition.

Labor Unions Are Industrial Policy

BIG by Matt Stoller β€’ 32430 implied HN points β€’ 04 Nov 23
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ U.S. Politics Labor Unions Antitrust Corporate Power Industrial Policy
  1. Labor unions can influence corporate investment decisions and set industrial policy.
  2. There is a shift towards empowering workers to have a greater say in how corporations operate.
  3. The rise of antitrust enforcement, labor activism, and focus on domestic manufacturing subsidies are interconnected in challenging the influence of financiers and middlemen.

Is Chrome divesture a sacrificial lamb or just a government gambit?

Alex's Personal Blog β€’ 32 implied HN points β€’ 22 Nov 24
πŸ•Ή Technology Monopoly Antitrust Artificial Intelligence Business strategy Market Dynamics
  1. The US government wants to reduce Google's monopoly by possibly making it sell Chrome. This could affect how Google operates and make it easier for other companies to compete.
  2. Amazon is investing heavily in Anthropic, a company that creates AI models. This shows that Amazon is trying to strengthen its position in the competitive AI market.
  3. Some experts believe that the idea of Google selling Chrome might not happen because it makes more sense for Chrome to stay as part of Google's larger business strategy.

It's time to change how we cover Elon Musk

Platformer β€’ 3537 implied HN points β€’ 08 Aug 23
πŸ•Ή Technology AI Social media Digital Media Antitrust AI Ethics
  1. It's important to approach coverage of Elon Musk with skepticism due to his history of broken promises and exaggerations.
  2. Journalists should be more skeptical and critical of Musk's statements, especially those that could impact markets or public perception.
  3. Musk's tendency to make bold announcements without following through highlights the need for increased scrutiny in media coverage of his statements.

Here are the Five Areas the New DOJ Task Force on Monopolies in Health Care Should Focus On

HEALTH CARE un-covered β€’ 499 implied HN points β€’ 23 May 24
πŸ₯ Health Politics Health care Antitrust Insurance Policy Regulation
  1. Insurers buying doctor practices is a big problem. When insurance companies own the doctors, it creates a conflict of interest and can limit patient choices.
  2. The connection between insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) is concerning. This merger can hurt small pharmacies and affect how patients access medications.
  3. Prior authorization is making it harder for patients to get necessary care. Insurance companies use this process to delay or deny treatments, which can lead to serious health risks.

453: Anthropic, Microsoft Athena AI Chip, Nvidia Strikes Back, Antitrust Catch-22, China vs Wind Power, Nobel Immigrants, EV, and JS Bach

Liberty’s Highlights β€’ 491 implied HN points β€’ 11 Oct 23
πŸ•Ή Technology AI Antitrust Energy Immigration
  1. Be skeptical of misinformation during times of tragedy and beware of those who use geopolitical excuses to dehumanize situations.
  2. Don't get attached to beliefs and welcome constructive criticism to identify and correct blind spots over time.
  3. Electric vehicles are more energy-efficient compared to internal combustion engine vehicles, and smart planning is key to meet the increasing electricity demand for transportation needs.

Biden Statement On Nippon Steel Does Not Preclude Merger

Japan Economy Watch β€’ 79 implied HN points β€’ 01 Apr 24
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Relations Trade Regulations Antitrust
  1. President Biden's statement opposing Nippon Steel's purchase of US Steel does not completely prevent the merger, as negotiations are ongoing.
  2. The Steelworkers Union and Nippon Steel are in arduous negotiations to reach an agreement that satisfies the union's conditions before the merger can proceed.
  3. If the Nippon Steel merger with US Steel fails, there are challenges for the union as there isn't another American company that can buy USS, potentially impacting union-management relations and financial stability.

Google, Amazon, and Booking: anti-monopoly gathers pace

The Counterbalance β€’ 176 implied HN points β€’ 10 Oct 23
πŸ’Ό Business Antitrust Monopoly Market Power Regulation
  1. Regulators are taking more action against tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Booking to prevent monopolistic behavior.
  2. The European Commission blocked Booking's acquisition of eTraveli, highlighting concerns about increasing dominance and its impact on competition.
  3. Antitrust cases are evolving to focus on broader systemic power issues within ecosystems, challenging traditional narrow views of harm in mergers.

Activision's death by 418 cuts

SuperJoost Playlist β€’ 357 implied HN points β€’ 04 May 23
πŸ’Ό Business Antitrust Gaming Regulation Acquisition Market Analysis
  1. Historically, innovative distribution channels in gaming have grown the market, not reduced it.
  2. The UK's antitrust watchdog's decision to block the Activision deal could lead to less access and higher prices for UK consumers.
  3. Regulators may lack a deep understanding of the gaming market, potentially hurting the industry and consumers.

Must Read Right To Repair Stories from 2023

Fight to Repair β€’ 78 implied HN points β€’ 29 Dec 23
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ U.S. Politics Legislation Advocacy Antitrust Government
  1. 2023 was a significant year in the fight for Right to Repair, with more states enacting laws to support repair rights.
  2. Key victories in 2023 included the enactment of right to repair laws in New York, Minnesota, California, Colorado, and Maine, covering a wide range of electronic and mechanical devices.
  3. The push for Right to Repair gained momentum in 2023, with hearings on Capitol Hill, legal actions against manufacturers like John Deere, and support from various government bodies like the EPA and FTC.

To tackle corruption, start with monopoly power

The Counterbalance β€’ 117 implied HN points β€’ 17 May 23
🌍 World Politics Corruption Monopoly power Antitrust Corporate Power Regulation
  1. Corruption is the abuse of power for selfish gain, whether in public or private sectors.
  2. Monopoly power can lead to corruption as dominant firms have more ability and incentive to engage in corrupt activities.
  3. Addressing monopoly power through antitrust regulations can be a powerful tool in tackling corruption and other economic problems.

In Recorded Conversation, A John Deere Dealer Talks Up Predatory Design

Fight to Repair β€’ 78 implied HN points β€’ 06 Sep 23
πŸ•Ή Technology Software Antitrust Agriculture Monopoly Regulation
  1. A John Deere dealership employee was caught on tape discussing the possibility of using software updates to block third-party competitors from working with John Deere equipment.
  2. The mention of using software updates to push out competition raises questions about anti-competitive behavior, which could potentially violate U.S. antitrust laws.
  3. The conversation highlights the importance of 'Right to Repair' legislation and the need for transparency from major agricultural equipment manufacturers in creating an open and competitive precision agriculture ecosystem.

DOJ plows ahead: supporting farmers in Deere anti-trust lawsuit - Week in Repair

Fight to Repair β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 17 Feb 23
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ U.S. Politics Antitrust Legislation Enforcement Environmental Issues
  1. The US Department of Justice is supporting farmers in an anti-trust lawsuit against Deere, highlighting the importance of right to repair and fighting against repair restrictions imposed by companies.
  2. There is a growing movement among farmers to use older machines and explore open-source tractor software to ensure they can repair their equipment themselves, especially in rural areas where repair options are limited.
  3. Legislation is being introduced in multiple states, including Colorado, to force manufacturers to provide tools and resources necessary for farmers to make their own repairs, emphasizing the need for immediate action to address repair issues in farming equipment.

Smaller Slices of a Growing Pie

Platform Papers β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 28 Mar 24
πŸ’Ό Business Competition Regulation Antitrust Consumer behavior
  1. Platform markets are becoming increasingly dominant in various sectors of the economy, presenting challenges and opportunities for both sellers and consumers.
  2. In platform markets, the entry of more sellers can have mixed effects - while it can lead to more transactions, it also means a smaller share of the 'pie' for each seller.
  3. High-quality businesses in platform markets tend to benefit more from platform expansion, as they can attract and retain customers, leading to better overall platform quality and increased competition for businesses to invest in quality.

Tesla Beats Back Anti-Trust Repair Lawsuit, But Deere's Is Headed To Court

Fight to Repair β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 01 Dec 23
πŸ’Ό Business Antitrust EVs Right-to-repair Legislation Manufacturers
  1. Tesla won an antitrust case on repair restrictions, but Deere's lawsuit is moving forward. Tesla uses practices inflating repair costs.
  2. California is pushing for standardized EV diagnostic laws to make repairs more accessible and affordable.
  3. John Deere faces an antitrust lawsuit alleging constraints on repair services. The plaintiffs have succeeded in pursuing their claims against the company.

Is Canada catching the anti-monopoly bug?

The Counterbalance β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 15 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Antitrust Competition Monopolies Canada Global
  1. Canada has been absent from the global conversation on antitrust or competition policy.
  2. Canada is urged to reform its competition laws to prevent further market consolidation and address monopoly power.
  3. There is a growing movement within Canada to advocate for anti-monopoly policies and challenge the monopoly-friendly status quo.

#8: New Export Controls + Antitrust Action On AI + Compute Governance

Navigating AI Risks β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 04 Jul 23
πŸ•Ή Technology AI Antitrust Governance Chips Regulation
  1. Export controls on semiconductors are evolving due to the blurred distinction between 'weapon' and 'non-weapon' technologies, impacting US-China relations.
  2. Concerns about monopolistic practices in the AI industry are rising due to the consolidation of well-funded firms and competition strategies.
  3. Compute governance, focusing on data, computing power, and algorithms, is crucial for governing powerful AI systems and ensuring safety in international cooperation.

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ailogblog β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 15 Dec 23
πŸ•Ή Technology AI Education Transparency Antitrust Opinion
  1. Startups like Hume.ai are exploring emotionally-aware AI for personalized learning in education.
  2. Transparency initiatives, like the one from the Center for Research on Foundation Models, aim to improve understanding of AI training data and processes.
  3. Antitrust actions against tech giants, like the recent ruling against Google, may impact the power dynamics in the AI industry, potentially benefitting smaller companies.

The Defence production act and AI policy

The Good blog β€’ 13 implied HN points β€’ 01 Mar 24
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ U.S. Politics Legislation Antitrust AI Policy National Security
  1. The Defence Production Act grants the President expansive powers to strengthen the US industrial base, and it has remained largely unchanged since 1953.
  2. Certain antitrust provisions of the Defence Production Act allow firms to make voluntary agreements that might otherwise be illegal under antitrust laws.
  3. The Biden executive order on AI incorporates elements authorized under the legal authority of the Defence Production Act, such as reporting requirements for AI training runs and NIST's development of new AI safety standards.