Google and Microsoft have made a pact to protect surveillance capitalism

Two bitter rivals have agreed to drop mutual antitrust cases across the globe. Why? To fend off the greater regulatory threat of democratic oversight

Microsoft and Google, two of the world's greatest monopolies, have been bitter rivals for nearly 20 years. But suddenly, in late April, they announced a startling accord. The companies have withdrawn all regulatory complaints against one another, globally. Rather than fighting their battles in public courts and commissions, they have agreed to privately negotiate.

This is a gentleman's agreement. The specifics are secret, but the message on both sides is that the deal reflects a change in management philosophy. Microsoft's new chief, Satya Nadella, is eager to push the vision of a dynamic, collaborative Microsoft, partnering with everyone from Apple to Salesforce.