A Shift in Tech Policy Under the Biden Administration

While not a central promise during his campaign, President Biden’s initial steps suggest a more assertive stance regarding regulation of large technology companies.

The White House has affirmed its intent to nominate Lina Khan to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This nomination signifies a potential departure from the Silicon Valley-accommodating policies established during the Obama administration.

Introducing Lina Khan and Her Antitrust Perspective

Lina Khan has emerged as a prominent figure within the antitrust movement. She gained recognition for her 2017 paper, “Amazon’s Antitrust Paradox,” while still a law student.

Her research challenges conventional understandings of monopolistic behavior, arguing that current frameworks fail to adequately address the dynamics of modern tech businesses.

Khan advocates for a broader assessment of market forces, moving beyond traditional metrics like price and output when evaluating antitrust concerns.

During her time as an associate law professor at Columbia University, Khan also played a key role in a detailed report produced by the House antitrust subcommittee. This report laid the groundwork for substantial antitrust reforms aimed at curbing the expansion of Big Tech.

Additional Key Players in the Biden Administration

Khan is not alone in championing tech antitrust efforts within the Biden administration. Tim Wu, from Columbia Law, was appointed in March to advise on technology and competition policy at the National Economic Council.

Wu is credited with coining the term “net neutrality” and is a vocal proponent of an open internet. His 2018 book, “The Curse of Bigness: Antitrust in the New Gilded Age,” identifies corporate consolidation in the tech sector as a significant political and economic risk.

Support for Khan’s Nomination

Senator Amy Klobuchar, who is spearheading tech-focused antitrust reform through the Senate antitrust subcommittee, has publicly supported Khan’s nomination.

Klobuchar stated that a comprehensive effort is needed to address global monopolies, and President Biden’s appointment demonstrates a clear commitment to competition policy.

She further emphasized Khan’s valuable experience, highlighting her work in Congress, at the FTC, and as an advocate for competitive markets, as crucial for strengthening enforcement and protecting consumers.