Apple, Google Crushed California Bill Helping Smaller Rivals (1)

Some of the world’s largest technology companies swiftly quashed a California legislative measure that pitted giants like Apple Inc. 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 Senator 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 ...