DOJ Nominee Kanter Says He Plans “Vigorous” Antitrust Enforcement During Hearing
Jonathan Kanter told lawmakers he would bring “vigorous” enforcement to the helm of the Justice Department’s antitrust division, as they weigh his nomination to serve as one of the federal government’s top competition cops, reported Washington Post.
On Wednesday in a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing he laid out bits of his plan for lawmakers, focusing on ensuring robust competition for businesses across the country.
Related: Biden To Name Kanter As DOJ Antitrust Chief
“Political influence should not be a relevant factor in determining whether to initiate or bring antitrust enforcement actions,” Kanter said in response to questioning from Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah). The kinds of values are around protecting competition, and competition can yield a wide range of benefits, including protecting the free flow of information.
Kanter is among a wave of personnel choices who signal the Biden administration’s eagerness to regulate the tech industry, after the companies have flourished for years seemingly without guardrails. His nomination signals how the Democrats’ relationship with the tech industry has deteriorated over the past decade, a stark shift from the Obama administration, which largely took a hands-off approach regulating tech companies.
During the nomination hearing, Kanter pointed to a number of industries where antitrust enforcement could be appropriate, from health care to agriculture. He also affirmed that he has an eye on Big Tech.
“I’ve been a strong proponent of vigorous antitrust enforcement in the technology area among others,” he said.
Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.
Featured News
EU Extends Support for Farms and Fisheries Amid Market Disruptions
May 5, 2024 by
CPI
Sony and Apollo Bid $26 Billion for Paramount Acquisition
May 5, 2024 by
CPI
Goldman Sachs Resolves Decade-Old Metal-Rigging Class Action Lawsuit
May 5, 2024 by
CPI
Italian Antitrust Ruling Puts Halt on Intesa Sanpaolo’s Fintech Ambitions
May 5, 2024 by
CPI
Google Antitrust Case: Closing Arguments Conclude
May 5, 2024 by
CPI
Antitrust Mix by CPI
Antitrust Chronicle® – Economics of Criminal Antitrust
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
Navigating Economic Expert Work in Criminal Antitrust Litigation
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
The Increased Importance of Economics in Cartel Cases
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
A Law and Economics Analysis of the Antitrust Treatment of Physician Collective Price Agreements
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
Information Exchange In Criminal Antitrust Cases: How Economic Testimony Can Tip The Scales
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI