Lina Khan Named FTC Chair: Biden Boosts Tech Antitrust Efforts

Lina Khan Confirmed as FTC Commissioner and Chair

The Senate has approved Lina Khan, a well-known critic of large technology companies and a leading antitrust academic, to serve as a Commissioner at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This confirmation, occurring on Tuesday, signifies a potential shift towards increased regulatory oversight of the technology sector.

Notably, President Biden immediately appointed the newly confirmed Khan to the position of chair of the agency. This swift elevation underscores the administration’s commitment to addressing concerns surrounding the influence of major tech corporations.

Bipartisan Support for Khan’s Nomination

The Senate vote to confirm Khan was 69-28, demonstrating a rare instance of bipartisan agreement. Both Republican and Democratic senators supported her appointment, indicating a shared interest in re-evaluating the regulatory landscape for dominant technology firms.

Khan succeeds Rebecca Kelly Slaughter, who had been serving as acting chairwoman since January. The transition marks a change in leadership at a crucial time for the FTC.

Khan’s Vision for the FTC

“I look forward to working with my colleagues to protect the public from corporate abuse,” stated Chair Khan upon her selection by President Biden. This statement highlights her dedication to safeguarding consumers and promoting fair competition.

Khan, previously an associate law professor at Columbia University, gained prominence through her influential research. Her work challenges traditional methods of identifying monopolies, arguing they are inadequate in the context of modern business practices, particularly within the technology industry.

A Shift in White House Policy

President Biden’s nomination of Khan in March signaled a departure from the more accommodating stance towards Big Tech adopted during the Obama administration. This decision indicated an intention to pursue a more assertive regulatory approach.

Khan’s confirmation suggests the FTC will prioritize antitrust issues related to technology companies. This focus will complement ongoing efforts in Congress to strengthen the FTC’s ability to enforce antitrust laws.

FTC’s Past Actions and Future Legislation

While the FTC previously levied a $5 billion fine against Facebook for privacy violations in 2019, the penalty was considered relatively minor given the company’s substantial valuation, exceeding $500 billion.

Recently, Congress unveiled a series of bipartisan bills aimed at reforming the practices of major technology businesses and reshaping the industry’s regulatory framework.

Modernizing Antitrust Enforcement

One proposed bill, spearheaded by Senator Amy Klobuchar, would establish a dedicated fund for the FTC. This fund would support the creation of a new division focused on market and merger research.

This initiative represents a step towards modernizing antitrust enforcement procedures to effectively address the rapid growth and evolving strategies of the most powerful technology companies.