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 […]
Technology
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
Newly passed antitrust legislation will enable a harmful, arbitrary approach to competition
Just before the end of last year, two seemingly innocuous 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) — passed Congress. While largely procedural and bureaucratic, the bills are a minor win designed […]
American 5G deployment sees continual stunting at the municipal level
The advent of 6G network is on the horizon — with expectations of its availability in the 2030s. Due to 6G’s potential to provide economic benefits that would give them a competitive edge, countries are racing to mobilize around its research and development and are writing policy to gear up for its rollout. Despite global […]
Medium: Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard would increase competition, benefit gamers
As of this month, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will seek to block Microsoft from acquiring video game publisher Activision Blizzard — a $69 billion deal that has recently attracted much attention. In the process, the Commission will suppress market competition and decrease consumer choice. FTC action comes as the agency fears that Microsoft will use its […]