Google and Apple Should Give Thanks to Brussels

Vestager is saving Silicon Valley from itself.
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One U.S. tech superpower after another has found itself in the cross-hairs of European corporate cops over taxes, monopoly power and misuse of consumer data. To some, this reeks of overreach by an Old Continent jealous of Silicon Valley.

Yet on closer examination, the tough medicine prescribed by Brussels watchdogs such as antitrust boss Margrethe Vestager may end up doing some good for Amazon, Google, Facebook and Apple. It won't feel that way, but Vestager and co. may spur them to improve business practices and curb some impulses that might ultimately end up self-defeating. The U.S. is meant to hold these giants to account too, but national pride, a laissez-faire regulatory culture, and political influence has blunted it.