President-elect Donald Trump's latest appointment signals a significant shift in the Federal Trade Commission's approach to technology companies and free speech regulation.
According to Breitbart News, Trump has selected FTC Commissioner Andrew Ferguson, a vocal opponent of Big Tech censorship, to serve as the next chair of the Federal Trade Commission.
Ferguson brings substantial legal experience to the role, having served as Virginia's Solicitor General and worked as an antitrust litigator in Washington, DC. His background includes prestigious clerkships with Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and Judge Karen Henderson of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.
Ferguson has already demonstrated his commitment to addressing online censorship concerns through recent policy proposals. His vision for the FTC includes investigating potential collusion between tech platforms and examining advertiser boycotts that he believes harm competition in the digital marketplace.
Trump shared his endorsement of Ferguson through Truth Social. The President-elect emphasized Ferguson's commitment to protecting free speech:
I am pleased to appoint Andrew N. Ferguson to be the next Chair of the Federal Trade Commission. Andrew has a proven record of standing up to Big Tech censorship, and protecting Freedom of Speech in our Great Country. Sworn in as a Commissioner on April 2, 2024, he will be able to fight on behalf of the American People on Day One of my Administration.
Ferguson's appointment suggests a more aggressive approach to tech regulation under the upcoming Trump administration. The FTC's role in reviewing mergers and acquisitions could see heightened scrutiny of tech industry consolidation.
Ferguson recently aligned himself with Commissioner Melissa Holyoak's proposal to reinstate Trump's Executive Order 13925. This order aimed to increase transparency in tech companies' content moderation practices and censorship decisions.
The incoming chair has expressed strong views about the FTC's role in protecting free speech online. He advocates for using the commission's full authority to investigate and address potential anti-competitive practices that might suppress online expression.
Ferguson's recent statements indicate his intention to investigate structural issues within tech platforms. He believes these underlying problems may have granted excessive control over public discourse to a small number of powerful companies.
The appointment marks a strategic move to reshape the FTC's regulatory approach. Under Ferguson's leadership, the commission is expected to take a more interventionist stance on tech industry practices affecting free speech.
The new chair has outlined plans to address both direct censorship and indirect suppression of speech through market manipulation. His approach includes examining how advertising practices and platform policies might restrict competition and limit public discourse.
Ferguson's appointment comes at a crucial time when debates about online censorship and tech regulation continue to intensify. His leadership could significantly influence how digital platforms operate and moderate content in the coming years.
Andrew Ferguson, appointed by President-elect Trump to chair the Federal Trade Commission, brings a strong anti-censorship stance and extensive legal experience to the role. His appointment on December 11 marks a significant shift in the agency's approach to tech regulation and free speech protection. With his term beginning in 2025, Ferguson's leadership promises to reshape how the FTC approaches its regulatory duties, particularly concerning Big Tech's influence over public discourse.
