The US has announced a shift in anti-monopoly policy that could
lead to closer scrutiny of the business operations of technology
giants like Google, Intel and Oracle.
In recent years
Microsoft and
Intel have been investigated by European authorities for
anti-competitive behaviour, but until now have had less pressure to
get their house in order in the US.
Later this week, the European Commission is expected to announce
a substantial fine against Intel over charges that the company
unlawfully provided rebates and price reductions to customers.
Christine Varney, head of the Justice Department's anti-trust
division, has signalled a new aggressive approach to
anti-competitive practices in the US, according to the
New York Times.
In a speech to the Center for American Progress, Varney
announced a new enforcement policy that reverses the Bush
administration's approach of favouring defendants against
anti-trust claims.
Varney said: "The Bush administration policy lost sight of an
ultimate goal of antitrust laws - the protection of consumer
welfare."
The policy shift could see an increase in anti-competitive
investigations against bigger tech companies that will help level
the playing field for smaller companies, according to US
media
reports.