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Clock Running Out on Antitrust Bill Targeting Big Tech

Business

Clock Running Out on Antitrust Bill Targeting Big Tech

Published

2 years ago

on

August 6, 2022

By

Doni Glover

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WASHINGTON — Critics of the country’s largest tech companies branded the last few months “Hot Antitrust Summer” because they hoped that Congress would vote on new regulations for Amazon, Apple, Google and Facebook.

The legislation’s chances of passing before Labor Day melted away instead. The Senate is expected to take up one last major matter of business before its August recess, debating and voting on the Democrats’ large climate, tax and health care package.

The failure to secure a vote is a setback for the politicians, activists and regulators who believe that Big Tech has too much control over commerce, communications and culture. After Labor Day, Washington will turn much of its attention to the midterm elections instead of major legislation. And if Republicans regain the majority in Congress, the regulations have a far smaller chance of being taken up.

“One of the senators actually said to me, ‘Maybe you’re just ahead of your time,’” Senator Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat and the main driver of the legislation, said in an interview. “And I said to them, ‘Yeah, but being ahead of your time doesn’t mean that your time hasn’t come.’ And at some moment your time comes.”

Supporters of Ms. Klobuchar’s bill, called the American Innovation and Choice Online Act, argue that a national update to antitrust law would allow smaller businesses to thrive by reining in big tech companies. The bill would bar the companies from prioritizing their own services over those of their rivals. So Amazon, for example, could not show its own Amazon Basics batteries before those made by Duracell, and Google might have to put its own restaurant reviews on par with sites like Yelp in search results.

The bill’s backers cheered in May when Senator Chuck Schumer, the Democratic majority leader, said privately that he would put it up for a vote early in the summer. It was approved by the Judiciary Committee with bipartisan support, and Ms. Klobuchar and Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa, her primary Republican co-sponsor, said they had the votes for the legislation to succeed if the full Senate voted on it.

The tech companies poured tens of millions of dollars into lobbying against the bill. Groups funded by the companies put ads on the air in swing states, saying the legislation was ill-advised at a time of rampant inflation. The chief executives of Google, Apple and Amazon all personally lobbied against the bill.

The industry also argued that there could be unintended consequences for speech online, as the bill could be interpreted as also limiting how much these companies can moderate content, including hateful posts. The bill’s supporters say their concerns are unfounded, but four Democratic senators in June called for amending the bill to ensure it was not misinterpreted.

Supporters of the bill have tried to continue putting pressure on Mr. Schumer to bring it up for a vote, highlighting work his children have done for the big tech companies.

They argued that if lawmakers had to vote on the bill, it would pass. But last month at a fund-raiser, Mr. Schumer said he didn’t believe the measure had the 60 votes to overcome a filibuster. And he said he would not put it on the floor until he had a better sense that it could pass, said a person with knowledge of his comments, who would speak only anonymously because the discussion was private. Mr. Schumer’s comments were first reported by Bloomberg.

“All I can tell you is that Klobuchar was very disappointed when she was led to believe it was going to be brought up in this time frame and it’s not brought up, and we don’t have a lot of time between now and the election,” Mr. Grassley said in an interview.

Other priorities in the Senate like the climate, energy and tax package brokered between Senator Joe Manchin III, Democrat of West Virginia, and Mr. Schumer have also brushed antitrust matters aside. Before the surprise reconciliation deal on that bill, slow work on a veteran health care bill, a sweeping gun control measure and a chip manufacturing bill dominated the legislative calendar.

Some of the bill’s co-sponsors said the bill was a low priority for them as they prepared to leave Capitol Hill for the month. Senator Mazie Hirono, Democrat of Hawaii, said she was focusing on legislation that was being discussed before the August recess.

Ms. Klobuchar said that she had spoken with Mr. Schumer and discussed putting the bill up for a vote in the fall.

“I think he’s committed to working on this and getting this through,” she said. There is also a similar proposal in the House of Representatives that has bipartisan support.

A spokesman for Mr. Schumer said in a statement that the majority leader was “working with Senator Klobuchar and other supporters to gather the needed votes and plans to bring it up for a vote.”

Sarah Miller, the executive director of the liberal American Economic Liberties Project, said that should the efforts to pass a new antitrust law in Washington fizzle, it would only make the role of agencies like the Federal Trade Commission, which sued to block Meta’s acquisition of a virtual reality company last month, and state lawmakers more important in reining in Big Tech.

“Fortunately there’s not only one sheriff in town,” she said, “although I think Congress’s ability to directly promote fairness and competition in digital markets will continue to be an essential project.”

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Business

OAKLAND: Safeguarding Your Business

Published

2 years ago

on

April 10, 2023

By

Doni Glover

OAACC partners with PNC Bank offering a variety of topics for business owners. FREE event, but please RSVP NOW for planning purposes.

By Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce (OAACC)

(OAKLAND – April 10, 2023) – OAACC is pleased to invite members of local multicultural chambers of commerce to a business networking mixer and presentation entitled “How to Safeguard Your Business in 2023”. Sponsored by PNC Bank, the presentation will cover a variety of topics top of mind of business owners and professionals in the current business climate, including:

Assessing the safety and security of banks and financial institutions,
Diversifying investments in inflationary times
Protecting your business against fraud

Our moderated panel will feature Megan Schoettmer, Regional President, PNC Bank, Christian Dean, OAACC Board of Directors and Business Center Manager, PNC Bank, Charles Kwan, Investment Advisor, PNC Investments, and Dhaval Shah, Business Banking Manager, PNC Bank.

Light refreshments will be served.

The event is complimentary, but please RSVP NOW for planning purposes.

Business

Benefits Of A Side Hustle During Bad Economic Times

Published

2 years ago

on

March 13, 2023

By

Robaer Washington

@paratynka via Canva

“Good things happen to those who hustle.”

– Anais Nin

(WASHINGTON, D.C. – March 13, 2023) – The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected the global economy. Many people have lost their jobs and businesses have closed down as well. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of having multiple sources of income and that is where side hustles come into play. A side hustle is a job or business that someone does in addition to their regular job. Let’s explore three benefits of having a side hustle during bad economic times.

One significant benefit of having a side hustle during bad economic times is the additional income it provides. Side hustles offer a great way to earn extra money, which can be used to supplement one’s regular income. With side hustles, individuals can generate additional revenue streams, which can help cover bills and expenses. Moreover, side hustles can help individuals save up for future investments and retirement.

Another benefit of having a side hustle during bad economic times is the development of new skills. Starting a side hustle requires individuals to learn new skills or improve existing ones. These skills may include marketing, customer service, or time management, among other types of skills. The development of new skills can help individuals become more valuable in their regular jobs, making them more marketable and competitive in the job market.

A third benefit of having a side hustle during bad economic times is another layer of a sense of security. Side hustles offer individuals a backup plan in case they lose their regular job. In the event of a job loss, a side hustle can provide some income until a new job is found. Having a side hustle can also help individuals feel more in control of their financial situation, reducing the stress and anxiety that comes with financial uncertainty.

Having a side hustle during bad economic times offers several benefits. It provides additional income, helps develop new skills and offers a sense of security. Side hustles have become increasingly popular in recent years and the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted their importance. It is essential for individuals to explore side hustles that align with their interests and skills to maximize the benefits they offer.

Business

The Benefits of an Online Education – For Working Professionals

Published

2 years ago

on

November 18, 2022

By

Robaer Washington

(MONTGOMERY VILLAGE, MARYLAND – November 18, 2022) – Are you a working professional looking for the convenience and flexibility of an online education? An online education can be a great way to further your knowledge, increase job opportunities and even earn you additional credentials without sacrificing your current commitments. In this article, we will explore various benefits of an online education for working professionals.

FURTHERING YOUR KNOWLEDGE

With the flexibility that comes with an online education, you are able to fit study into your existing schedule and take classes at times that are convenient for you. You also have access to many resources that might not be available in traditional classrooms such as webinars, lectures, and tutorials.

In addition to the convenience of studying from home, developing a fundamental understanding of concepts is often easier since online courses provide an interactive learning environment. You can easily connect with peers and professors to ask questions or get help when needed. Additionally, online courses allow you to practice digital literacy skills such as research, problem-solving, online communication, and critical thinking which are important for success in today’s digital world.

INCREASE JOB OPPORTUNITIES

An online education can open up a variety of job opportunities that may not have been available otherwise. Employers are looking for individuals who possess digital literacy skills and may prefer someone with additional credentials earned through online courses. This is especially true in the tech industry where employers often look for candidates who possess specific skills that can be acquired through practicing in an online program. Furthermore, many employers offer incentives such as tuition reimbursement to employees seeking to further their education or gain additional qualifications.

Additionally, an online education allows you to easily access resources from around the world, increasing your chances of finding a job in a different country or region. With ever-evolving technology and globalization, it’s becoming increasingly important for professionals to be able stay ahead of the curve and online education can help you do just that.

CURRENT COMMITMENTS

An online education is a great way to earn additional credentials without sacrificing your current commitments. With its flexibility and convenience, you are able to fit study into your existing schedule and take classes at times that are convenient for you. Furthermore, there is no need to worry about commuting or finding parking as you would with a regular class. So, if you’re looking for a flexible way to pursue higher education and gain additional credentials without sacrificing your current commitments, then an online education could be the perfect option for you! With ever-evolving technology and globalization, it’s becoming increasingly important for professionals to stay ahead of the curve and an online education can help you do just that.

In conclusion, an online education can be a great way to further your knowledge and increase job opportunities. With its flexibility and convenience, you are able to fit study into your existing schedule and take classes at times that are convenient for you. Additionally, you have access to many resources from around the world which may not be available in traditional classrooms. Furthermore, employers often offer incentives such as tuition reimbursement to those pursuing higher education or gaining additional qualifications. So if you’re looking for a flexible way to pursue higher education or gain new skills without sacrificing your current commitments, then an online education could be the perfect option for you! Take advantage of this opportunity today and begin learning something new! Good luck!