FTC Chair Lina Khan: In a surprising twist, Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan is extending a warm welcome to Silicon Valley during her recent two-day visit. This marks a notable departure from her previous image as a formidable opponent of Big Tech. Khan, on her maiden trip to the tech hub, sent a clear message to the tech community: she’s here to support entrepreneurs and startup founders.
Her outreach strategy has taken a new turn, echoing a low-key effort she made in New York earlier this year when she met with a small group of venture capital investors. Now, in the tech mecca of San Francisco, Khan emphasized her focus on artificial intelligence, a key area under the FTC’s scrutiny following President Joe Biden‘s executive order.
Khan expressed her concerns about the dominance of a few companies controlling critical inputs into AI technology, potentially causing innovation and competition bottlenecks. She highlighted the FTC’s examination of various aspects, from graphics processing units to cloud computing and data used by AI models.
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During a fireside chat in a Mission District cafe, Khan received applause and cheers from tech workers and VC investors. At Stanford University, a Meta employee praised her for her actions against the tech giant. It’s a notable shift in Khan’s reputation, especially when the FTC was defending its stance on unlawful mergers just days ago.
Khan made it clear that the FTC’s goals align with both consumers and workers, aiming to protect everyone while also promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. This signals a shift in her approach and her attempt to bridge the gap between regulators and the tech industry.
Big Tech companies, particularly Amazon and Meta, have viewed Khan as an obstacle since her rise to prominence, given her 2017 academic article highlighting Amazon’s anticompetitive practices. Early in her tenure, these companies sought her recusal from antitrust investigations, citing concerns about her impartiality.
This outreach signals a new chapter in the relationship between the tech industry and regulatory authorities, indicating a willingness to find common ground and foster collaboration.
Our Reader’s Queries
Who is the current head of the FTC?
Lina M. Khan, a legal scholar of British-American descent, has been appointed as the chairwoman of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) since 2021. Alongside her role at the FTC, she also serves as an associate professor of law at Columbia Law School. With her impressive background and expertise in the field, she is set to make a significant impact in her new position.
Who chairs the FTC?
The Federal Trade Commission Chair, Lina M. Khan, has announced that a virtual open meeting of the Commission will take place on Thursday, November 16, 2023, starting at 11 a.m. ET.
How long is FTC Chair term?
The Commission is led by a group of five Commissioners, who are appointed by the President and approved by the Senate. These individuals serve for a period of seven years.
Where is Lina Khan from?
Lina Khan, a legal scholar born in London, England on March 3, 1989, became the commissioner and chair of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in 2021. She was nominated by President Joe Biden in March and confirmed on June 15 by a Senate vote of 69-28. As one of five commissioners of the FTC, Khan brings her expertise to the table and is poised to make a significant impact in her role.