The Trump administration does not give up technology giants.
On Monday, the Federal Trade Committee will face Meta in court because of the allegations that the social media giant Passion of emerging competitors When I bought Instagram and WhatsApp. On April 21, the Ministry of Justice will argue that the federal judge must compel Google Sell Chrome web browser To reduce the power of research monopoly.
Either way, which helped work A new era of scrutiny in the fight against monopolyHe was presented during President Trump’s first term in office. It was developed by the Biden Administration, which also filed monopoly claims against Amazon, Apple and Google Technology Technology.
Investors in Silicon Valley and in Wall Street I hope that Mr. Trump will offer technology companies More respect during his second term, because he promised to cancel the organization of industries. Some legal experts believe that the administration can still take a lighter hand on prohibiting mergers and setting pre -emptive regulations for technology.
But so far, the appointed people promised Mr. Trump to continue a lot of audit in the largest technology companies, despite the hopes of industry.
“I think they may not focus fully on the extent of Trump’s first relationship with stirring in this movement. This technology re -examining this technology” Bill Kovacic, the former FTC Chairman, said.
Here is what to know.
Who is responsible for the anti -monopoly application now?
Mr. Trump Andrew Ferguson eye As head of FTC, who imposes anti -monopoly and consumer protection laws. Mr. Ferguson, a lawyer who spent most of his career to work for powerful Republican Senators, said he wanted to increase scrutiny in the roads that social media companies decide to decrease. For years, conservatives have complained that platforms like Facebook and YouTube are inappropriately monitored by right -wing views.
“I will throw every resource with the agency to prosecute the issues against the great technology that we go to,” said Mr. Ferguson in his appearance on the “Odd Lots” this year.
The new leader for The Ministry of Justice Anti -Justice Department, Gail SalterVeteran technology and media lawyer worked at the White House during the first term of Mr. Trump. She also pledged to enforce anti -monopoly laws strongly.
“It is now an issue of the two parties, and there is a consensus on the need for a strong application to combat monopoly,” said Ms. Salter at an event hosted by Y Combinator this month.
Where does the main lawsuits to combat monopoly against technology giants stand?
Five governmental cases accuse technology companies of preserving illegal monopolies, all of which are moving across the courts. Companies deny these allegations.
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FTC A lawsuit against Mita in 2020On the pretext that its Instagram acquisitions in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014 violated the law using what the organizers call a “purchase or burial” strategy to eliminate its junior competitors. The experiment is expected to continue until July and a certificate of prominent figures, including Meta CEO, Mark Zuckerberg.
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Ministry of Justice Google’s prosecution in 2020 On allegations that it was a monopoly on online search. A federal judge spent a government last year and would make a three -week listening session on how to treat Google’s monopoly. The government suggested that the company sell Chrome, among other measures. Google suggested fewer restrictions and said she plans to appeal.
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Ministry of Justice Google was accused in 2023 From illegally controlling advertising technology. A federal judge listened to the arguments in this case last year, and the ruling is expected to be soon.
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FTC Amazon was accused of a lawsuit 2023 From pressure on young merchants who use their market for sale to consumers. A federal judge rejected Amazon’s attempt to reject the case last year. He is scheduled to go to the trial next year.
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Ministry of Justice Apples against apples Last year, the allegations that the company’s interlocking ecosystem for technology makes it difficult for consumers to get rid of iPhone and iPad devices. Apple asked a federal judge to reject the case.
What about integration and acquisitions in the technology industry?
The Biden Administration tried and failed to ban many technical deals, including buying a dead Starting a small virtual reality, inside. The batch to stop the acquisitions has sparked investors who support small companies that want to obtain a exchange by obtaining it by a technology giant.
Mr. Trump says they want to get out of the acquisitions that are not a competitive problem. Mrs. Salter expressed openness to the settlements proposed by companies – such as selling similar assets – which can help solve concerns about deals.
In late January, the Ministry of Justice A lawsuit against the embargo Hewlett Packard Enterprise Program Company from Juniper Networks, a network company, for $ 14 billion. It was the first lawsuit to challenge a technical deal in Mr. Trump’s second state.
During the first Trump administration, the Ministry of Justice faced a failed challenge Buy AT & T from Time Warner.
What does this mean for the artificial intelligence race?
Last year, Ministry of Justice and FTC He agreed to divide responsibility To investigate whether the largest players in artificial intelligence violate the anti -monopoly laws. The Ministry of Justice began an investigation into NVIDIA, while FTC seized Microsoft and its partner, Openai.
It is unclear whether these investigations will lead to lawsuits. The Trump administration has promised to clarify the way for American companies to develop artificial intelligence, including canceling an executive order belonging to the Biden era, which put the handrails on the use of technology.
The administration has I asked for industry inputs About the best ways to move forward in politics about technology, companies and investors have opened to pressure lower bases.
“I think it is extremely important to protect the competition in the area of artificial intelligence, but I think it is equally important that the government does not race to organize artificial intelligence,” said Mr. Ferguson on Bloomberg TV in March.
