TNB Tech Minute: EU Tightens Screws on Apple and Google With Antitrust Actions - WSJ Tech News Briefing

Summary4 min read

WSJ Tech News Briefing: EU Tightens Screws on Apple and Google With Antitrust Actions
Release Date: March 19, 2025

Host: Victoria Craig, The Wall Street Journal

Introduction

In the latest episode of the WSJ Tech News Briefing, host Victoria Craig delves into significant developments in the tech industry, focusing on the European Union's intensified antitrust actions against major US tech giants, Tencent's impressive financial performance driven by gaming and artificial intelligence (AI) investments, and activist investor Starboard's strategic moves with Autodesk. This comprehensive summary captures the key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented in the episode.

EU Antitrust Actions Targeting Apple and Google

Overview of the European Commission's Actions

Victoria Craig opens the discussion by highlighting the European Commission's recent enforcement of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), a regulatory framework aimed at ensuring fair competition within digital markets. The Commission has intensified its scrutiny of tech giants deemed "gatekeepers," specifically targeting Apple and Google for alleged anti-competitive practices.

Concerns with Google’s Practices

The Commission expressed concerns that Google's search results and app developer terms violate DMA regulations by favoring its proprietary services over third-party offerings. Craig notes, “The commission today said it's concerned Google's search results and terms for app developers break the rules by giving its own services like Google Shopping and Hotel Booking the upper hand” [00:31].

Apple's Compliance Issues

Similarly, Apple is under the microscope for not sufficiently facilitating compatibility between its devices and third-party products such as headphones, VR headsets, and smartwatches. The Commission argues that Apple's restrictive ecosystem hampers competition and consumer choice.

Responses from Apple and Google

Apple has responded by criticizing the DMA, stating, “The rules wrap us in red tape, slow down innovation for users in Europe and force the company to give away new features for free to other companies that are not obligated to do the same” [00:31]. Google echoed similar sentiments, asserting that the regulations are “hurting consumers and businesses elsewhere,” implying a broader negative impact beyond Europe.

Political Implications

The episode also touches upon the broader geopolitical tensions, mentioning that President Trump has indicated a willingness to impose tariffs in retaliation against any antitrust fines imposed on US tech firms by the EU, escalating the standoff between regulatory bodies and major technology companies.

Tencent's Profit Surge Through Gaming and AI Investments

Financial Performance

Shifting focus to the Asian tech landscape, Craig reports that Chinese tech giant Tencent nearly doubled its profits in the final quarter of 2024. This remarkable growth is attributed to sustained investments in the gaming sector and advancements in AI technology.

AI Investment Strategy

Tencent has significantly ramped up its AI spending, which has more than doubled from the previous quarter and surged by 300% compared to the same period the previous year. This aggressive investment strategy aims to bolster Tencent’s competitiveness against domestic rivals such as Alibaba and ByteDance.

Quote from Tencent’s President

“The increased spending on AI will help us better compete with our domestic rivals, including Alibaba, ByteDance and Boost our consumer and enterprise products,” stated Tencent’s president, underscoring the company's commitment to maintaining its market leadership through technological innovation [00:31].

Impact on GPU Acquisition

Part of this investment involves acquiring more graphics processing units (GPUs), essential for powering AI applications and enhancing gaming experiences. This strategic move not only supports Tencent's existing product lines but also positions the company for future growth in emerging tech domains.

Activist Investor Starboard Takes a Stake in Autodesk

Starboard’s Investment and Strategic Moves

In corporate governance news, activist investor Starboard has taken a $500 million stake in Autodesk, a leading software maker known for its 3D design tools. Starboard is advocating for changes in Autodesk’s board composition by proposing the nomination of a slate of minority board directors ahead of the company's annual meeting.

Autodesk’s Response

Autodesk has acknowledged Starboard’s actions, stating, “We have had constructive engagement with Starboard over the past year and will consider the investor's slate of directors as part of a regular evaluation process” [00:31]. This response indicates a willingness to engage with shareholder concerns while maintaining a structured approach to governance reviews.

Background on Workforce Restructuring

The episode also references Autodesk's earlier announcement to eliminate approximately 9% of its workforce, equating to over 1,300 employees, as part of a global restructuring effort. This move aims to streamline operations and enhance profitability amidst a competitive software market.

Conclusion

Victoria Craig’s detailed overview in this episode of WSJ Tech News Briefing provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of the current challenges and strategic movements within the tech industry. From the EU's stringent antitrust measures against major US tech firms to Tencent's robust financial health propelled by gaming and AI, and Starboard's active role in shaping Autodesk's future, the episode encapsulates the dynamic and evolving nature of the technology sector.

For a more in-depth analysis and updates on these stories, Craig recommends tuning into the Thursday edition of the Tech News Briefing podcast.

Note: The timestamps referenced (e.g., [00:31]) correspond to the points in the transcript where Victoria Craig discusses each topic.

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[00:01]
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[00:32]
Victoria Craig
Here's your TNB Tech minute for Wednesday, March 19th. I'm Victoria Craig for the Wall Street Journal. The European Commission has fired its latest salvo in a long running battle with US Tech titans over fair competition, raising the stakes in a standoff with President Trump, who has said he's willing to use tariffs to retaliate against any antitrust fines. A European set of rules called the Digital Markets act designates Apple, Google and others as gatekeepers that are allowed to play favorites with their own services versus third parties on their own platforms or devices. The commission today said it's concerned Google's search results and terms for app developers break the rules by giving its own services like Google Shopping and Hotel Booking the upper hand. Regulators also said Apple should do more to make its devices more compatible with other companies products like headphones, VR headsets and smartwatches. Apple said the rules wrap us in red tape, slow down innovation for users in Europe and force the company to give away new features for free to other companies that are not obligated to do the same. Google said the rules are hurting consumers and businesses elsewhere. Gaming and continued investment in artificial intelligence helped Chinese tech giant Tencent nearly double its profit in the final quarter of 2024. The company said ramped up spending on AI will help it better compete with its domestic rivals, including Alibaba, ByteDance and Boost its consumer and enterprise products. Tencent's president said spending more than doubled from the previous quarter and surged 300% from the year prior as it sought to buy more graphics processing units. Finally, activist investor Starboard said it believes software maker Autodesk has been underperforming in recent years. It's taken a $500 million stake in the company and proposed nominating a slate of minority board directors ahead of the company's annual meeting. Autodesk, which makes 3D design software, said had constructive engagement with Starboard over the past year and that it would consider the investor's slate of directors as part of a regular evaluation process. Earlier this year, Autodesk said it would eliminate about 9% of its workforce, which equates to more than 1,300 employees as part of a global restructuring. For a deeper dive into what's happening in tech, check out Thursday's Tech News Briefing podcast.