Europe's Competition Directorate dispatches corporate raids across Europe without a search warrant, and operates outside normal democratic judicial control. It is judge, jury, and executioner, imposing fines large enough to constitute criminal sanctions, but without the due process protection of criminal law. It misused evidence so badly in pursuit of Intel that the company alleged a violation of human rights. Apple has vowed this week to appeal against a €13bn Brussels fine for violation of EU state-aid rules, but the only recourse is the European Court of Justice - usually a forlorn ritual. Many believe that powerful EU forces are using state-aid probes to break the global dominance of America's technology giants, hoping to nurture its own 'Silicon Valley' behind a digital wall. Amazon, Facebook, Google and Apple are all under fire, while Microsoft has fought an epic battle. Are some in Brussels viewing America as the enemy?