Online Giants: Not into Sunshine

February 6, 2018

Two quick items.

The first comes from Thomson Reuters (now in the process of adapting to its financial reality). The write up is “Germany Opens Anti-Trust Probe into Online Advertising.” The German regulators are referenced as the “cartel” office. And the bone of contention? Facebook and Google get lots of online advertising money. Major publishing companies have either been squeezed by the US high school science club companies or missed the U-Bahn completely.

The second is a more academic and, therefore, considered opinion than “real” news. The article is “Big Tech’s Bid to Control FOIA.” The main point is that companies like the Silicon Valley science club outfit Facebook wants to keep tax incentives and other information out of bright light.

It seems that some in governmental agencies like Germany want to know more about US online giants. And maybe some of the online giants want to keep information about its business dealings in a low light situation.

Which will win? I suppose one can turn to Paradise Lost for guidance. But there was that pesky sequel Paradise Regained. Now one has to figure out who or what is making a heaven of hell and a hell of heaven.

Stephen E Arnold, February 6, 2018

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