Topic: Anti Competitive

Consumer reports indicate that companies like Instacart are using dynamic pricing algorithms to charge different customers different prices for the same groceries. This practice, similar to Uber's surge pricing, is being adopted by major grocery chains through digital shelf tags. Critics argue this is anti-competitive and hides the true cost of goods from the public.

Indian regulators have imposed a $161 million fine on Google for anti-competitive practices related to the Android mobile ecosystem. The Competition Commission of India found that Google abused its dominant position by pre-installing its own apps on devices. Google is also facing separate investigations in India regarding its in-app payment systems and smart TV market conduct.

Jason Calacanis suggests that the de-platforming of services like Parler will create a new class of startup opportunities for investors to back "free speech" alternatives, including competitors to Amazon Web Services (AWS). The hosts argue that this stance is hypocritical and anti-competitive, as it cheers the destruction of existing competitors while simultaneously proposing new investments in the same space.

Mark Perkel announces plans to sue Google over its "HTTPS Everywhere" initiative, which labels non-encrypted websites as "not safe" in the Chrome browser. The hosts support the lawsuit, arguing that Google's policy is anti-competitive and coercive, effectively forcing small website owners to pay for SSL certificates to maintain search rankings.

The discussion focuses on Google's policy regarding "advertorials" and native advertising. Matt Cutts states that paid coverage should not pass PageRank, which the hosts argue is an anti-competitive move designed to protect Google's own advertising revenue.