Booking.com’s Acquisition Blocked by European Competition Authorities

Main Article Points

• The dutch travel behemoth, Booking.com, has had their recent acquisition plans foiled by European competition authorities.
• The blocking is an indication of an escalating scrutiny on the operations and actions of large technology corporations globally, popularly referred to as ‘Big Tech’.
• The decision highlights the regulatory hurdles and the trending policy landscape impacting ‘Big Tech’ companies.
• This incident may indicate the beginning of a more stringent monitoring system and regulatory measures imposed by authorities worldwide.

The Jester’s Take

Well, well, if it isn’t the law of the land stepping in to play bad cop to Booking.com’s big ideas. Who needs a thriller movie when you’ve got Big Tech and Big Government locking horns? It seems like European competition authorities are determined to win the award for ‘Biggest Party Pooper’, putting the kibosh on Booking.com’s acquisition spree – at least for the moment.

In a broader sense, though, this is just another Tuesday in the never-ending saga of Big Tech vs. regulatory frameworks. Let’s just say, being a tech giant these days is not all rainbows and unicorns. You’ve got to play a balancing act between launching shiny new projects and grappling with the regulatory boa constrictor around your neck. And the authorities? Well, seems they’re trying to keep these tech Goliaths in check, so that we aren’t all bulldozed in their march towards world domination.

Pull out the popcorn, folks. This tech tango between Booking.com and the authorities is definitely one to watch!

Original Article: https://www.wired.com/story/the-bookingcom-decision-shows-the-true-scope-of-the-eus-big-tech-crackdown/