Pluralistic: How the EU can punish Google (despite Trump) (27 Jul 2026)
9 hours ago
- The EU's ability to enforce laws against US Big Tech like Google is limited without US cooperation, especially under Trump's threats of tariffs and reprisals.
- The EU can't control Google's actions but can change its own laws, specifically Article 6 of the Copyright Directive, which bans reverse-engineering US tech.
- Eliminating Article 6 would allow European companies to modify US tech exports to comply with EU laws on privacy, taxes, and consumer rights.
- Trump's support for Big Tech includes threatening trade partners who enforce digital regulations, such as the Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Act.
- The EU's $1B fine against Google for DSA violations is insufficient as a deterrent; Trump retaliated with tariff threats to undermine broader enforcement.