Some of the world’s largest technology companies swiftly quashed a California legislative measure that pitted giants such as Apple and Google against smaller rivals, a display of their immense political influence in their home state.
The legislation, called the “Based Act,” emerged from an unusual alliance of “little tech” advocates, including influential startup incubator Y Combinator and the army of small companies it backs, along with consumer groups.
Sponsored by state Sen. Scott Wiener, a San Francisco Democrat and a leading voice on tech regulation in California, the bill sought to stop major technology platforms from favoring their own products over those of competitors in places such as Apple’s App Store.
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