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EU: Vestager signals further clampdown on US tech

By  |  October 7, 2019

According to the Financial Times, Margrethe Vestager will signal a further clampdown on US technology giants this month by imposing an interim order to force chipmaker Broadcom to cease alleged anti-competitive practices even before a full probe into its conduct ends.

In the first use of so-called “interim measures” in nearly two decades, the EU’s Competition Commissioner, who is set for a second term in the powerful role, will tell the US company to stop imposing terms on clients that stop them buying chips elsewhere. Brussels claims this is an abuse of a dominant position. 

According to the FT, Broadcom is expected to immediately appeal against the ruling and will fight all the way to the European Court of Justice, people with direct knowledge of the case said.

Ms Vestager, who will have enhanced authority as executive vice-president of the Commission, will begin a rare second, five-year term on November 1, assuming she is confirmed at a hearing at the European Parliament on Tuesday, October 8. She is expected to be grilled by MEPs on her new dual role as competition enforcer and digital policy enforcer. 

Full Content: Financial Times

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