John Hendel, a POLITICO reporter with expertise in tech policy, dives into the shifting landscape of technology regulation under the incoming Trump administration. He discusses the implications of key appointments like Brendan Carr to the FCC and John Thune as Senate majority leader. The conversation explores the future of AI legislation, data privacy, and antitrust regulations. Hendel sheds light on potential bipartisan alliances and the influence of new leadership on big tech oversight, highlighting the evolving power dynamics in Washington.
Brendan Carr's nomination as FCC chair hints at a shift towards aggressive internet regulation and potential reassessment of Section 230.
Senator John Thune's leadership promises a strategic approach to tech policy, balancing skepticism on government spending and regulatory measures like net neutrality.
Deep dives
Brendan Carr's Appointment and Its Implications for Big Tech
Brendan Carr's nomination as head of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under the Trump administration indicates a significant shift in the agency's focus towards regulating big tech. Having previously supported initiatives like Elon Musk's Starlink, Carr is positioned as a champion for changes in internet policy and aims to address social media censorship, which he views as a priority. His intention to reassess regulations around Section 230, which provides Internet platforms with liability protections, suggests a potential revival of controversial debates from past administrations. Carr's approach signals an aggressive stance that may transform the FCC into a more politically engaged body concerning tech industry practices.
Senator John Thune's Leadership and Tech Policy Impact
The elevation of Senator John Thune to majority leader is expected to facilitate a more informed and strategic approach to tech policy in Congress, particularly due to his previous leadership roles in the Senate Commerce Committee. Thune's experience with broadband and telecom legislation offers hope for moving legislation forward, although he has expressed skepticism about progressive regulatory measures like net neutrality. His history of opposing large government spending packages that impact tech industries raises questions about future funding initiatives, particularly in relation to expanding broadband access. Thune's collaborative style may help navigate the narrow Republican majority, but he will also face challenges in achieving consensus on tech-related priorities.
Matt Gaetz's Unexpected AG Nomination and Its Tech Antitrust Implications
The nomination of Matt Gaetz as attorney general presents an unexpected but potentially significant shift in the approach towards antitrust issues affecting the tech industry, particularly given his seemingly divergent views from mainstream Republican perspectives. Gaetz's alignment with more progressive antitrust enforcement strategies, coupled with backing from figures like Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, could imply a continuation of aggressive scrutiny on major tech companies. His influence may align with current antitrust cases and policies championed by progressive figures like Lena Kahn of the FTC, which could cause concern among traditional tech lobbyists. As his nomination progresses, the political dynamics around antitrust enforcement are likely to evolve, potentially leading to increased regulatory pressure on tech giants.
In Washington, the people animate the policy. And that means new power players in the incoming Trump administration and Congress will shape everything from artificial intelligence to telecom regulations. On POLITICO Tech, reporter John Hendel joins host Steven Overly to discuss the newly elected leadership in the Senate, as well as Trump’s attorney general nominee Matt Gaetz and his pick for Federal Communications Commission chair, Brendan Carr.