What Biden’s antitrust strategy means for the tech industry

It was supposed to be a “hot vax summer” in the US, but instead we got a hot antitrust reform summer. The Biden administration, along with the Democratic-led Congress, has put into play a mix of proposed legislation, lawsuits, executive orders, and appointments to address Big Tech's outsized, consolidated power. Now, more than six months into the new administration and Congress, here's what tech executives can expect of the new direction in tech policy.

How Are Consumers’ Attitudes Toward Increased Tech Regulation Changing?

Biden’s strategy is grounded in popular sentiment. Consumers are increasingly interested in regulating Big Tech.

  • 57% of US adults think the government should increase its regulation of Big Tech companies as of February 2021, up 9 percentage points from August 2019, per Gallup.
  • Similarly, 56% of Americans support greater regulation of tech companies, according to an April 2021 Pew Research Center survey, reflecting increased support.

The same February 2021 Gallup poll found that US adults' views of Big Tech companies became increasingly negative over the same window, with 45% having a somewhat or very negative view of tech firms, compared with just 33% in August 2019.

"Behind the Numbers" Podcast