Open Markets Applauds New Bipartisan Legislation to Rein in Big Tech as Important First Step

Congress must continue push to protect U.S. democracy from concentrated power and control

WASHINGTON – The House Judiciary Antitrust Subcommittee, led by Chairman David Cicilline, introduced a group of bipartisan bills today aiming to implement recommendations set forth in the subcommittee’s October 2020 report, which was based on its 17-month investigation of America’s largest tech companies: Amazon, Google, Facebook, and Apple.

The Open Markets Institute applauds this big step forward in protecting American democracy and American liberty from the power and control of platform monopolists. We look forward to working with Congress to further develop and strengthen this vital work in the days to come.

“The American people delivered a simple message to Big Tech today. Through Congress, we served notice that we intend to break or neutralize all private corporate power on the internet that threatens our democracy, our communities, our families, and our livelihoods. Chairman Cicilline and the other members of the subcommittee demonstrated true leadership in developing this strong legislation able to attract bipartisan support. These bills will serve as the cornerstone of our common national effort to establish rules of the road for how we share information and do business in the 21st century,” said Barry Lynn, executive director of Open Markets Institute. “We recognize how incredibly hard the members of this subcommittee and their staff worked. We look forward to continuing this great task with them.”

“Today’s legislation constitutes a major step toward reining in Big Tech’s monopolistic practices and safeguarding our democracy and liberty," said Sally Hubbard, director of enforcement strategy at Open Markets Institute. "In its report, the subcommittee uncovered irrefutable evidence that Big Tech has used anti-competitive conduct and acquisitions to grow and maintain monopoly power. By violating the antitrust laws, the platforms harm citizens, working people, entrepreneurs, creators, suppliers, and consumers. The bills set forth today seek to combat these harms to all Americans and promote economic dynamism, innovation, and the marketplace of ideas.”

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