Title: Justice Department’s Antitrust Division Takes Aim at Tech Giants Under New Leadership
Shortly after Jonathan Kanter took over the Justice Department’s antitrust division in November 2021, the agency secured an additional $50 million to investigate monopolies, bust criminal cartels, and block mergers. Kanter, known for his aggressive stance on antitrust issues, celebrated by buying a prop of a giant check with “Break ‘Em Up” written on it.
Under Kanter’s leadership, the Justice Department has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Apple, alleging violations of antitrust laws to keep customers reliant on its iPhones. This lawsuit joins others against tech giants like Google, as part of a broader effort to rein in the power of the industry.
Kanter’s background includes working at the F.T.C. and representing big law firms, where he advocated for increased scrutiny of tech companies like Google. His initiatives at the Justice Department include catchy code names like “Real Time AF” and the “Billionaire Accountability Project.”
Critics question whether Kanter’s aggressive approach to antitrust enforcement is pushing the boundaries too far, but Kanter defends his efforts as necessary to adapt to the realities of today’s economy. With the November election potentially changing the landscape, Kanter and his team are on the clock to see how far they can take their efforts.
Overall, Kanter’s tenure at the Justice Department marks a significant shift in how antitrust laws are enforced, particularly when it comes to reigning in the power of tech giants in the modern economy.
