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Published: 2026-10-03T18:30:32.823Z • Permanent link

Regulators from the European Union and the United States have announced a joint investigation into the market practices of several major tech companies, including Google, Amazon, and Facebook. The inquiry, which was initiated in response to growing concerns about data protection and competition, will focus on the use of algorithms to influence user behavior and the collection and sharing of personal data. The probe is the latest in a series of investigations into the tech industry, following high-profile cases involving antitrust regulators in the EU and the US.

Google's CEO Sundar Pichai and Amazon's CEO Andy Jassy have been called to testify before the joint committee, which will also include representatives from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the European Data Protection Board (EDPB). The investigation is expected to be one of the most comprehensive and far-reaching into the tech industry in recent years. Data from a recent survey suggests that over 70% of consumers are concerned about the amount of personal data that companies collect and how it is used.

The probe is also expected to shed light on the role of data brokers in the tech industry, who use personal data to influence user behavior and target advertising. Companies such as Acxiom and Experian have been accused of collecting and selling sensitive information without users' knowledge or consent. The investigation is a major blow to the tech industry's reputation and has sparked calls for greater regulation and transparency.

The joint investigation into the tech industry has significant implications for companies that rely on data collection and advertising to drive revenue. Companies such as Google, Amazon, and Facebook have built their business models around the collection and use of personal data, and any changes to these practices could have far-reaching consequences. The probe is also expected to have a major impact on the advertising industry, which has been criticized for its reliance on targeted advertising and the use of personal data to influence user behavior.

Research communities and academic institutions have been quick to condemn the probe, arguing that it represents a significant overreach by regulators and that it could have unintended consequences for innovation and competition. However, many experts believe that the probe is a necessary step to address growing concerns about data protection and the use of personal data. The probe has already sparked a major backlash from the tech industry, with many companies arguing that it is an attack on innovation and free speech.

The joint investigation into the tech industry is part of a broader trend of regulatory crackdowns on the industry. In recent years, regulators have turned their attention to the tech industry in response to growing concerns about data protection, competition, and the impact of technology on society. The probe is also part of a larger pattern of regulatory consolidation, with many countries and regions turning to regulators to address growing concerns about data protection and the use of personal data.