Jackie Cameron: Global tech titans under pressure

For the Beijing government, Covid-19 was undoubtedly a blessing to quell pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, which has occupied an uncomfortable grey zone of control since the 1997 handover. Lockdowns to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus quickly got independent-minded Hong Kong residents scuttling for cover early last year as they were reminded of the outbreak of SARS, a close relative of SARS-CoV-2, in 2003..Yesterday, in a clear sign that Beijing has now got a firm grip on the former British colony, a police drill squad showed off its Chinese military-style march. BizNews Premium partner The Wall Street Journal describes it as the city marching to Beijing's tune..Read more: Alec Hogg: Until EOH's managers believe, the market won't.Also strictly obeying orders are China's global tech company titans. After Chinese billionaire Jack Ma's e-commerce giant Alibaba was fined $2.8bn by Chinese regulators for allegedly abusing its market position, about three dozen rushed out with public pledges to toe the line. Naspers-owned Tencent is among the companies in the crosshairs..___STEADY_PAYWALL___.Meanwhile, across the ocean, lawmakers have been making big noises about clamping down on US tech giants. The House of Representatives Judiciary Committee formally approved a report accusing Big Tech companies of buying or crushing smaller firms. The document says Reuters, is likely to be a blueprint for legislation to rein in the market power of Google parent Alphabet Inc, Apple, Amazon and Facebook..Read more: Alec Hogg: Why we're adding Purple Group to BizNews portfolio.President Xi''s power grab feels more sinister, partly because authoritarian China gets things done much faster. US captains of industry, on the other hand, can use democratic institutions like courts, and armies of lawyers, to push back and, ultimately, slow the pace of unwanted change..PS Don't miss out on important insights from SA's business leaders. Visit biznewsradio.com to catch up on all the BizNews podcasts you've missed this week..For your listening and viewing pleasure.Latest audio on BizNews Radio… (click on the link to access).Piet Viljoen co-host; Growthpoint; Rand strength; Evan Walker; Coinbase; MozambiqueFB: New SAA boss is an airline ignoramus – DA; Huge Group insider trading probe; Shoprite exits NigeriaBeheadings in Mozambique: Islamist Jihadists aren't only to blame – expertStephen Van Coller – CEO of EOH – on its interim results, turnaround strategy and legacy issuesCEO of Satrix on ABSA money market fund and partnership with EasyEquitiesStefano Marani – CEO of Renergen – on first helium sales deal, cautionary announcement.Latest on BizNews TV… (subscribe on our YouTube channel to access all our videos including live studio action of the BizNews Power Hour).A conversation with ActionSA founder Herman MashabaZuma ordered to pay legal fees in corruption case; SA's uneducated civil servants

Jackie Cameron: Global tech titans under pressure

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