FTC Chair Lina Khan has announced her intention to target the ‘mob bosses’ of Big Tech, specifically focusing on AI giants such as OpenAI, Microsoft, and Nvidia. Speaking at TechCrunch’s StrictlyVC conference, Khan emphasized that she is more interested in addressing the root causes of illegal behaviors in the tech industry rather than just dealing with individual cases.
Khan has been known for her aggressive stance against Big Tech since her appointment by President Joe Biden in 2021. She has previously banned non-compete agreements for most employees and attempted to block several major mergers and acquisitions. Recently, she halted Coach’s $8.5 billion acquisition of Michael Kors, which would have been the biggest fashion deal in history.
In addition to these actions, Khan and the FTC have launched multiple lawsuits against big tech companies, including a recent investigation into Microsoft’s $10 billion investment and ongoing relationship with OpenAI. Khan expressed concerns that Microsoft may be able to exert undue influence or gain privileged access in ways that could undermine fair competition in the AI sector.
Despite facing criticism from some quarters, Khan remains undeterred in her mission to ensure fair competition in the tech industry. She argues that protecting innovators and entrepreneurs aligns with the FTC’s goals, and she is committed to using the law to protect consumers and workers alike.
Read more: fortune.com