Big Technology
Amy Klobuchar Says She’s Ready To Take on Big Tech
In a new interview with Big Technology, the senator discusses the future of antitrust
“I’d say resolved,” Senator Amy Klobuchar told me over Zoom yesterday. We were talking about whether congressional Democrats were serious about pursuing meaningful action against the tech giants. And Klobuchar, the new chairwoman of the Senate Judiciary antitrust subcommittee, seemed committed.
“There’s been some good hearings,” she said. “But to me, actually, I have to get something done.”
Klobuchar is already moving ahead. She introduced an ambitious new bill to bolster antitrust law last month. And today — less than 24 hours after Congress passed its $1.9 trillion Covid relief package — she’s hosting the first of many hearings meant to further interrogate Big Tech’s power and rally support for legislation.
The U.S. government has not yet effectively checked the tech giants, so some skepticism is warranted, but this effort seems worthy of attention. The Democrats have everything lined up: the legislature, a supportive president, knowledgeable experts, and public opinion. If something’s ever going to happen to Big Tech, this would be the moment. And by listening to Klobuchar, you can hear…
