Big Tech Halts California Bill Aiming to Curb Platform Power

Apple and Google helped kill a California bill that would have forced big platforms to stop privileging their own products. Backed by startups like Y Combinator, the measure collapsed after a major lobbying push by big tech and business groups, including the Chamber of Progress and California Chamber of Commerce. Opponents argued the bill could worsen search results, slow services, and weaken device security, while supporters say it would level the playing field. A revised version could reappear in the future, as concerns over tech power persist and Europe’s rules provide a precedent.