Apple and Google successfully defeated California competition bill
Original: Apple, Google crushed California bill that helped smaller rivals
Why This Matters
Shows big tech's continued ability to block competition-focused legislation
Apple and Google crushed California's 'Based Act' legislation that would have prevented major tech platforms from favoring their own products over competitors in app stores and similar venues, demonstrating their political influence.
The California 'Based Act,' sponsored by San Francisco Democrat Senator Scott Wiener, aimed to stop major technology platforms from favoring their own products over competitors in venues like Apple's App Store. The legislation emerged from an alliance of 'little tech' advocates including startup incubator Y Combinator and consumer groups. However, the bill was defeated through a pressure campaign led by Apple, Google, and other tech giants working through the California Chamber of Commerce and big tech trade groups. The defeat demonstrates the immense political influence these technology companies wield in their home state of California.