Trump nominates Andrew Ferguson as FTC chairman. What are the implications of big technologies? By Investing.com

Investing.com — President-elect Donald Trump has announced his intention to elevate current FTC Commissioner Andrew Ferguson to the position of chairman, with the transition expected next month.

While Ferguson has signaled support for deregulatory policies, particularly in emerging areas such as AI, his vocal skepticism of major tech companies, including Meta (NASDAQ: ), Google (NASDAQ: ), Microsoft (NASDAQ: ), Amazon (NASDAQ: and Apple (NASDAK:), he points out.

According to Ferguson, his priorities as chairman would include reversing many of the policies implemented under current FTC Chairwoman Lina Khan.

In particular, he stated that he would “stop Lina Khan’s war against mergers.” Most mergers benefit Americans and promote the movement of capital that spurs innovation.

Regarding AI regulation, Ferguson pledged to “end the FTC’s attempt to become the regulator of AI.”

However, his deregulatory stance does not extend to Big Tech. Ferguson promised to “Focus antitrust enforcement against the big tech monopolies, especially those companies that engage in illegal censorship.”

It also pledged to implement both structural and behavioral remedies under antitrust laws to prevent dominant platforms from using their market position to stifle competition and innovation.

Commenting on this, TD Coven analysts suggest that this could signal further significant action by the FTC.

For example, Ferguson is expected to maintain the agency’s aggressive approach to the antitrust lawsuit against Amazon, with little likelihood of a settlement before a trial scheduled for mid-2026.

“And if the FTC wins, his comments suggest he would seek termination,” analysts said.

Similarly, Ferguson is likely to support the ongoing investigation into Microsoft, which reportedly focuses on the company’s practice of potentially tying revenue from Azure to Office365.

Meta is also expected to remain in the FTC’s crosshairs, with the agency continuing its uphill legal battle to force a divestment of Instagram.

Ferguson may also pursue Met and Google over censorship allegations, citing a 2020 executive order that directs the FTC to investigate “unfair or deceptive acts or practices” related to speech moderation by Section 230 entities.

“In other words, even 230-protected content could be deemed illegal by the FTC,” the analysts note.

Another area of ​​focus could be generative AI mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Ferguson’s comments raise questions about whether the biggest tech companies will face increased scrutiny in their attempts to acquire parts of the generative artificial intelligence ecosystem.

This could complicate efforts by tech giants to use M&A as a strategy to manage risks and maximize opportunities in the fast-growing field.