Calls to restrict the growth of the cryptocurrency industry persist, especially in the aftermath of the highly publicized collapse of the cryptocurrency exchange FTX. It’s understandable that politicians and regulators are concerned with the stability and reliability of the emergent digital asset space amid volatile prices and companies defaulting. However, these developments shouldn’t immediately trigger […]
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ChatGPT3 isn’t immune from classic critiques of new technology
As consumers adapt to understand the uses of ChatGPT3, fears over worst-case scenarios have been grabbing headlines. Like all new technologies, ChatGPT3 has its critics who believe the technology will change the world as we know it — and not for the better. Despite the bleak images some cynics paint, their concerns are generally nothing […]
The economic literature doesn’t support banning non-competes
The new year has only just begun and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is already wading into another major political battle. This time, the fight is over the future of non-compete clauses and their use by employers. The outcome of this political battle could have lasting consequences for millions of hardworking Americans. On January 5, […]
All road users should pay for maintenance, not just delivery customers
In search of new transportation funding, Utah is considering implementing a retail delivery fee. The implications of this policy for food delivery customers would be substantial. Utah legislators should steer clear of the measure and consider other alternatives to maintain the state’s roads. As Utah’s revenue from its gas tax dwindles due to more citizens […]
Fitness substitutability extends beyond virtual reality
January puts fitness at the forefront of many people’s minds, as they make (and often abandon) New Year’s resolutions to get in shape. This plan could include anything from gym memberships and home workouts to any combination of fitness activities. However, a recent lawsuit by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) suggests a far more rigid […]
RealClearEnergy: It’s time to take big government off the burner
Family meals are a bedrock American tradition. From Independence Day to quinceañeras, Americans of all stripes celebrate with good food and good company. But, like an overbearing guest at a party, meddlesome politicians are trying to dictate how Americans cook. Their efforts to ban natural gas stoves are an excessive government intrusion into family life. These […]
Preliminary investigation into soft drink vendors reveals FTC’s misplaced focus
This past week, Politico reported that major soft drink juggernauts Coca-Cola and PepsiCo were under preliminary investigation by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for participating in “price discrimination” against small retailers. Their supposed crime? Offering better prices to their larger competitors. The federal antitrust agency believes that the companies may be guilty of violating an […]
Medium: TEAM Act represents a mixed bag for consumer welfare
While 2022 ended with the congressional passage of two antitrust bills — the Merger Filing Fee Modernization Act (MFFM), introduced by Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and the State Antitrust Enforcement Venue Act (SAEV), introduced by Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) — those bills don’t signal the end of legislative antitrust efforts. The newly introduced Tougher Enforcement Against Monopolies Act (TEAM) […]
Medium: Increased regulation of Big Tech companies will hurt consumers, businesses
Well into President Joe Biden’s article calling for bipartisan action to rein in some of Big Tech’s businesses practices, he mentions his “vision” of the economy and how to “realize” that vision. Although his concerns hold support from select members of both parties in Congress, the actions of market participants — by the numbers — […]
The problem with today’s antitrust isn’t the FTC. It’s the unsupported theory it’s putting forth
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has been grabbing headlines for attempting to eliminate non-competes and issuing record-breaking fines for child privacy violations. However, the proposed Tougher Enforcement Against Monopolies Act (TEAM) would put a pause on these actions by eliminating the agency’s authority over antitrust enforcement. Unfortunately, this move would have minimal impact. The problems […]