As Europe braces for the impact of the upcoming U.S. election results, the geopolitical implications stretch far beyond the Atlantic. Scheduled for next week, this election holds significant implications for NATO funding, the potential resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the looming threat of a trade war with former President Donald Trump. This trade tension could adversely affect Germany's economy by as much as 1.5 percent. Amidst these concerns, Europe's stance on Big Tech appears to be a secondary, yet critical focus.

Transatlantic Tech Dynamics

Throughout President Joe Biden's tenure, the U.S. has adopted a more aggressive stance against tech giants like Meta, Microsoft, and Nvidia. These firms have faced various lawsuits and regulatory actions. Notably, a legal proposal to dismantle Google's monopoly is still under deliberation. During this period, the European Union emerged as a significant partner in curbing the influence of Big Tech, according to Max von Thun from the Open Markets Institute. Under Biden's leadership, the EU felt more confident in implementing drastic measures like breaking up tech firms, a stark contrast to prior U.S. administrations.

The Digital Markets Act's Role

Europe's Digital Markets Act signals a clear intention to curtail the dominance of tech mainstays like Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta, and Microsoft. Most Europeans still rely heavily on these American platforms, sparking concerns about stifled competition and consumer harm. This sentiment resonates across the Atlantic, where the majority of potential voters in several U.S. battleground states view unchecked corporate power as a significant issue. Europe's regulatory push would greatly benefit from American support, ensuring smoother enforcement of these new digital regulations.

Election Uncertainties and Tech Policy

As the election campaign unfolds, the political landscape surrounding Big Tech remains complicated. There is no clear consensus in Silicon Valley, with support split between Democrats and Republicans. Former President Trump has vaguely suggested the need for Google to adopt fairer practices, while Vice President Kamala Harris's stance on Big Tech remains largely undefined. Her relationship with the FTC’s antitrust initiatives and previous comments on tech giants like Facebook highlight the dichotomy within Democratic approaches.

Harris's Influence and Tech Connections

Vice President Harris's potential continuation of Biden's firm Big Tech approach remains uncertain. While her previous remarks suggest a focus on data protection, her historical connections to Silicon Valley—aided by her brother-in-law Tony West of Uber and ties with Google attorney Karen Dunn—have not gone unnoticed by European regulators. These relationships raise questions about her prospective policies and the influence they may hold in shaping the future of Big Tech dynamics.

For further information, visit the original report on Wired.