Ferguson Sets Milestone in the Fight Against Big Tech: A New Chapter for the FTC

The new chairman of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Ferguson, faces the challenge of reinterpreting the outdated rules of the competition authority. His perspective suggests that the existing FTC Act primarily encompasses rule-setting for the agency itself rather than for companies. This viewpoint could significantly determine the direction of the Commission's future actions. In the past, Ferguson demonstrated his ability to take a tough stance against tech giants during his tenure as the Attorney General of the state of Virginia. In his role, he, along with the Department of Justice and other U.S. states, sued Google for monopoly formation in the digital advertising business. Google's $31 billion business division is at the center of an ongoing court case, the judgment of which is eagerly awaited. Tension also surrounds Ferguson's stance on social media. He aims to amplify conservative voices on social media platforms using antitrust laws. This vision has already been made clear in past hearings and statements. Ferguson positions himself as a critic of the alleged bias of tech platforms against conservative views. However, there are also similarities with his predecessor, Khan. Both express concerns about the concentration of power in the technology sector, albeit for different reasons. Ferguson's focus is more on political and conservative concerns, while Khan emphasized economic consequences more strongly. In an interview, he defended some of Khan's efforts, such as the revision of merger guidelines, which aim to clearly define the expected competitive conditions. Ferguson's commitment to the separation of powers and his role as an institutionalist actor indicate that changes are on the horizon that could have structural and political implications for the FTC. It remains exciting to see how this will impact the technology industry and consumers in the long term.