In a recently leaked image of the forthcoming iPhone 15, Apple confirmed what industry observers long presumed: the tech giant is moving away from proprietary charging ports and aligning itself with other major smartphone manufacturers by incorporating a standardized USB-C plug. This modest shift is significant within the scope of global regulatory practices as per Anu Bradford, a Columbia Law School professor.
Anu Bradford is the critically acclaimed author of ‘The Brussels Effect: How the European Union Rules the World’, a narrative that asserts how the EU operates as a regulatory superpower, influencing laws and compliance standards globally. Bradford interprets Apple’s recent strategic shift as a testament to the EU’s enduring clout as a regulatory authority.
In an interview with Law.com International, Bradford expounds on her book, the existing power imbalance between Big Tech and democratic governments, and the EU’s recent transition towards what she terms as ‘techno-protectionism’. According to Bradford, the dominance of Big Tech necessitates significant changes in their business models to ensure a more balanced distribution of power. As an academic, Bradford’s work underscores the vital relationship between tech companies, government regulation, and the dynamics of global influence.