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EU: Netherlands wants EC to regulate Big Tech startup acquisitions

 |  May 19, 2019

The Dutch government reiterated a European desire for tougher rules for big technology companies like Apple and Google to acquire small competing startups, reported Bloomberg.

Mona Keijzer, the Dutch State Secretary for Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, has proposed implementing three measures on a European level to prevent large technology companies from becoming too dominant, she wrote in a letter to the national parliament on Saturday, May 18. The State Secretary said she is already in talks with other member states on the policy.

“It is desirable to be able to intervene earlier and in a more targeted manner,” she wrote.

The European Commission has sought tougher scrutiny of acquisitions in the past. EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager announced similar plans last year. Keijzer said she sees the upcoming appointment of a new European Commission as a “suitable moment” to argue for adjustments in antitrust policy.

Full Content: Bloomberg

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