World’s broadcasters urge EU to tighten rules for big tech in smart TV battle

World’s broadcasters urge EU to tighten rules for big tech in smart TV battle Google, Amazon, Apple and Samsung control operating systems, allowing them to act as gatekeepers, letter claims Business live – latest updates The world’s largest broadcasters have pushed for the EU to enforce its toughest regulations against virtual TVs and smart assistants built by Google, Amazon, Apple and Samsung . The call came in a letter from the Association of Commercial Television and Video on Demand Services in Europe , whose members include Canal+, RTL, Mediaset, ITV, Paramount+, NBCUniversal, Walt Disney, Warner Bros Discovery, Sky and TF1 Groupe. The letter argues that big tech companies have growing control over the operating systems of smart TVs and voice assistants, allowing them to act as “gatekeepers” funnelling users towards some content and away from others. Services such as Amazon’s Fire TV and Google TV have recommendation systems, as well as search functions, that may prioritise some content over others. These systems, built into many smart TVs, stand to shape how millions of users consume television. “A limited number of operators are therefore gaining growing ability to shape outcomes for millions of users and businesses by controlling access to audiences and content distribution,” ACT wrote in a letter to the EU’s antitrust chief, Teresa Ribera, reported by Reuters . “It is crucial that the commission designate major TV operating systems ​as gatekeepers and ensure adequate oversight to guarantee fairness and contestability,” the broadcasters said. Google, Amazon, Apple and Samsung have been approached for comment. ACT’s letter comes amid heightened tension between European authorities and Donald Trump’s administration over the regulation of US tech companies, which has led to a series of tussles over how these firms operate in Europe. Brussels is reportedly preparing to intensify enforcement of its key anti-competition rules, and the Trump administration has said ...