Key Takeaways:
- Gail Slater, President Trump’s new assistant attorney general for antitrust, aims to take on Big Tech over censorship and market power.
- Democrats, including former Yelp executive Luther Lowe, are surprisingly happy about her appointment.
- Slater has inherited major antitrust cases from the Biden administration, including lawsuits against Apple and Google.
- Both political sides hope she can unite efforts to regulate tech giants.
A New Era for Big Tech Regulation
The tech world is buzzing with the appointment of Gail Slater as the new assistant attorney general for antitrust. Slater, chosen by President Trump, is set to take on Big Tech companies over issues like censorship and market dominance. Surprisingly, Democrats are celebrating her arrival, especially because of her stance on Google.
Why Democrats Are Cheering
Luther Lowe, a former executive at Yelp, is one of the Democrats thrilled about Slater’s new role. He believes she’s willing to take on Google, a company many accuse of abusing its power. “I’m a Democrat,” Lowe said, “but I couldn’t be happier about someone being in a position to make a difference.” Lowe has long pushed for antitrust enforcers in the U.S. and abroad to act against Google.
A Shared Concern About Censorship
Slater has expressed worries about the power of a few big platforms. “With just a handful of major platforms online,” she said, “someone can be disappeared from the internet quite easily.” This concern echoes complaints often heard on the right but also resonates with others who believe any viewpoint can be suppressed when big companies wield too much power.
A Bipartisan Hope for Change
Slater’s confirmation was smooth, with the Senate voting 78 to 19 in her favor. Allies like Roger Alford, her second-in-command at the DOJ, dismiss concerns about politics influencing antitrust decisions. “Claims of politicization are nothing new,” Alford said, “but courts have always rejected those allegations.” He added that censorship is often the result of monopoly power.
The Cases on Her Desk
Slater has inherited several big cases from the Biden administration. One notable case is against Apple, accused of using tricks to keep customers from switching to competitors. For example, Apple allegedly blurred videos sent from Android devices to iPhones, making it harder for users to consider other options.
But the biggest challenges are two cases against Google. These lawsuits accuse the tech giant of violating antitrust laws. Many see these cases as crucial for determining how much power Big Tech should have.
Can Slater Bring People Together?
Some on the right, like Steve Bannon, believe Slater can help unite people from both political sides to tackle Big Tech. “We’re in an uneasy coalition,” Bannon said. Lina Khan, who led the FTC during the Biden administration, agrees. “Gail Slater is key to that,” she said.
What’s Next?
As Slater takes on these high-profile cases, all eyes are on her. Will she be able to balance pleasing both Democrats and Republicans? Can she make a real difference in how Big Tech operates? One thing is clear: Gail Slater’s work will shape the future of the internet and freedom of expression online.
Conclusion
Gail Slater’s appointment marks a new chapter in the fight against Big Tech’s power. With her focus on censorship and market dominance, she has the support of both political sides—though for different reasons. As she dives into major antitrust cases, the world watches to see if she can deliver on her promises and bring real change to the tech landscape.