Concerns Raised by US Senators Over EA's $55 Billion Acquisition
US senators express deep worries about the implications of Electronic Arts being acquired by a Saudi-backed consortium, citing national security risks.
The recent acquisition of Electronic Arts (EA) for $55 billion by a consortium that includes the Saudi Public Investment Fund and Jared Kushner’s investment firm has stirred intense discussions among US lawmakers. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Richard Blumenthal voiced significant concerns regarding potential foreign influences and risks to national security arising from this transaction.
In their letter addressed to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, they articulated their worry about the implications of Saudi involvement in such a widely used platform as EA, stating that the deal could lead to increased scrutiny over personal data collected from millions of gamers, noting that EA’s transition into private ownership could bypass the usual oversight mechanisms.
The senators argue that the acquisition price considerably exceeds EA’s stock value, questioning the motivations behind such a premium, while also spotlighting the broader narrative of “sportswashing” promoted by Saudi Arabia through various investments in entertainment and sports.
As they put it, “The unrestricted access to this information by a repressive, authoritarian government poses significant risks of surveillance of Americans, covert propaganda, and censorship.”
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The senators are advocating for thorough investigations into the implications of this acquisition and its potential repercussions on US national security.
