As tech giants like Apple, Amazon, Google, and Facebook continue to expand their dominance in the global market, they are facing increasing scrutiny from governments and regulatory bodies around the world. In the United States, antitrust investigations are gaining momentum as policymakers and competition watchdogs grow concerned about the growing market power of these companies, particularly in the realms of advertising, data collection, and digital platforms.
In May 2025, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) are actively investigating major tech firms for potential violations of antitrust laws. These investigations come amid growing concerns that the massive market share of these companies stifles competition, harms consumers, and negatively impacts innovation. For example, Google’s dominance in search and advertising, Amazon’s control over e-commerce, and Facebook’s ownership of multiple social media platforms (including Instagram and WhatsApp) have all raised questions about whether these companies are engaging in anti-competitive practices.
One of the most high-profile cases is the ongoing investigation into Amazon’s pricing practices and its impact on third-party sellers on its platform. In particular, the DOJ is examining whether Amazon’s control over the marketplace allows it to engage in unfair practices by pushing third-party sellers out of the market through predatory pricing and exclusive deals. Critics argue that Amazon’s ability to influence product prices and product visibility on its platform gives it an unfair advantage over smaller competitors, which can ultimately harm consumers by limiting product choice and increasing prices.
Similarly, Google is facing growing scrutiny over its dominance in the digital advertising space. The company controls more than 90% of the global search market, which translates into a significant portion of global advertising revenue. Regulators are examining whether Google’s advertising dominance allows it to engage in monopolistic behavior by using its search engine to prioritize its own ads over those of competitors. In addition, concerns have been raised about the data collection practices of these companies and their potential violation of consumer privacy rights.
Apple is not immune to the regulatory spotlight, either. The company is under investigation for potential antitrust violations in the app store market. Critics argue that Apple’s tight control over the App Store, including the requirement that developers use its payment system for in-app purchases, may constitute anti-competitive behavior. Several lawsuits have already been filed, and Apple faces increased pressure to change its policies regarding app store fees and the distribution of apps on iOS devices.
Facebook, or Meta, is also facing antitrust scrutiny due to its acquisitions of smaller competitors like Instagram and WhatsApp. Regulators are looking into whether these acquisitions were made with the intent to eliminate competition in the social media space, thus harming users and limiting consumer choice. The company’s dominance in the social media market, combined with its extensive data collection practices, has prompted concerns about privacy and market concentration.
In response to these investigations, tech companies have begun to lobby more aggressively against antitrust reform. They argue that their innovations have benefitted consumers by providing convenient services, low prices, and access to new technologies. They also contend that government intervention could stifle innovation and hinder their ability to invest in new products and services. However, the growing public and political pressure for stronger antitrust enforcement suggests that these companies may face stricter regulations in the near future.
The outcome of these investigations could have far-reaching consequences for the future of the tech industry. If regulators find that these companies have violated antitrust laws, they could face significant fines, forced divestitures, or structural changes to their business models. Moreover, these investigations signal that governments are increasingly willing to challenge the unchecked power of big tech, which could reshape the competitive landscape in digital markets across the globe.
