Bytes: Week in Review — What a second Trump presidency could mean for the tech sector
Nov 8, 2024
auto_awesome
Paresh Dave, a senior writer at Wired, discusses the unpredictable tech landscape under a potential second Trump presidency. He highlights Trump's controversial history with tech giants, his skepticism about breaking up Google, and the uncertain future of antitrust policies. The conversation touches on the implications for social media regulations and the CHIPS Act, alongside the complexities of TikTok and AI legislation. Dave also explores potential changes in the Federal Trade Commission's direction and the geopolitical stakes of semiconductor manufacturing.
Trump's second term could bring unpredictable changes to tech antitrust policies, especially concerning big companies like Google.
The semiconductor industry may see a shift towards tariffs for local manufacturing, contrasting with the Biden administration's subsidy approach.
Deep dives
The Uncertainty of Tech Policy under Trump
The future of technology policy in a potential second Trump administration remains unpredictable, particularly concerning antitrust issues surrounding major tech companies like Google. Trump’s previous administration initiated aggressive antitrust actions against big tech, which could continue or change based on his evolving stance. While there are indications that the Department of Justice might seek action against Google following its recent antitrust ruling, the dynamics could shift depending on Trump's influence and preferences. This situation underscores the complexity of anticipating Trump’s future moves in the tech sector, especially considering his history of changing positions on critical issues.
The Geopolitical Landscape of Semiconductor Manufacturing
The semiconductor industry is poised for significant shifts as Trump re-evaluates U.S. policies in the context of geopolitical tensions, particularly with China and Taiwan. The Biden administration's CHIPS and Science Act aims to boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing through subsidies, a strategy Trump criticizes as wasteful. Instead, Trump advocates for using tariffs to encourage local manufacturing, suggesting a dramatic pivot in approach should he regain power. However, cooperation with Congress may pose challenges to implementing his plans, especially since legislators from both parties favor investments that create jobs in their districts.
Social Media Regulation and AI Developments
Trump's complex relationship with social media and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence presents important regulatory considerations. While he previously attempted to implement a TikTok ban, his administration's future actions could favor compromise over outright prohibition, balancing national security concerns with business interests. Regarding AI, the expectation is that Trump will roll back many existing regulations, potentially leading to increased state-level initiatives to fill regulatory gaps. This shift could catalyze a surge in AI infrastructure development, influenced by his broader policies on deregulation and economic growth.
The president-elect is also a former president who’s been a fixture in national politics for the last decade. But predicting what Donald Trump might have in mind for the tech industry in his second term based on that history, well, that’s a tough call. Trump has, at times, had strong words for some tech titans, cozied up to others, and pushed for — and then against — a TikTok ban. His first administration initiated several antitrust cases against tech companies, but Trump recently expressed skepticism about the potential breakup of Google after a federal judge ruled that its search business was a monopoly. Marketplace’s Meghan McCarty Carino spoke with Paresh Dave, a senior writer at Wired, about the future of tech antitrust policy and more in the second Trump term.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode