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The House's Judiciary Committee is investigating high-tech companies like Facebook and Google to determine whether they are abusing their dominant market position and violating competition law.
"The open Internet has brought tremendous benefits to Americans, including a wealth of economic opportunities, massive investments, and new avenues for online education," said Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), president of the government. in a statement. "But it is becoming increasingly apparent that a small number of access controllers have come to take control of the major arteries of online commerce, content and communications."
The investigation comes amid rising tensions between regulators and Silicon Valley. In recent days, reports have emerged that the Federal Trade Commission and the Ministry of Justice are in the process of determining which agency would be responsible for investigating individual technology companies. The FTC will be responsible for Facebook and Amazon, and the Justice Department will have the power to take on Google and Apple.
Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) announced that in March, if she were elected president, she would strive to cancel the technology mergers that were being consumed (Facebook acquisition by Instagram, for example) and introduce legislation that enforces new antitrust standards for technology companies.
Representative David Cicilline (D-RI) will lead the investigation as chairman of the committee's antitrust subcommittee and said today he would be looking at Silicon Valley as a whole rather than specific companies. Cicillin also said that he would like to hear from company executives and could issue subpoenas if they do not agree to testify in the future.
The investigators will document competition concerns, analyze whether big companies are abusing their power, and look into new laws that can solve these problems, according to a press release.
"Big tech plays a huge role in our economy and our world," said Doug Collins (R-GA). "As technology increases its market share, more and more questions arise as to whether the market remains competitive. Our bipartisan analysis of competition in digital markets offers us the opportunity to answer these questions and, if necessary, to act. "
Apple, Facebook and Amazon did not immediately respond to the request for comment. Google declined to comment.
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