Has Big Tech become too powerful? Amazon, Apple, Alphabet, Meta, and Microsoft shape how we shop, communicate, and consume information. But has their dominance gone too far? Advocates argue these firms are monopolies that harm competition, exploit consumer data, and wield disproportionate influence over public discourse. Structural reforms would restore fairness and innovation. But critics warn that breakups could damage user experience, slow innovation, and disrupt integrated ecosystems people rely on. Now we debate: Should the U.S. Government Break Up Big Tech?
Arguing Yes:
Bharat Ramamurti, Founder of The Bully Pulpit; Former Deputy Director of the National Economic Council
Matt Stoller, Director of Research at the American Economic Liberties Project
Arguing No:
Geoffrey A. Manne, President and Founder of the International Center for Law & Economics
Jennifer Huddleston, Senior Fellow in Technology Policy at the Cato Institute
Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates
This debate was produced in partnership with the SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University, as part of The Hopkins Forum series. It was recorded in front of a live audience on Thursday, December 4, 2025 at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center.
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