President-elect Donald Trump's recent appointments to key technology regulatory positions have raised significant concerns about the future of internet freedoms in the United States. Brendan Carr has been appointed to lead the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and Commissioner Andrew Ferguson has been tapped to head the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Both figures have previously expressed intentions to regulate online speech, raising fears of a potential crackdown on digital expression. Additionally, Trump's nominee for the FBI, Kash Patel, has drawn scrutiny over potential implications for press freedom. These appointments, coupled with Trump's vocal criticisms of Big Tech, signal a potential shift in how internet regulation may be approached under his administration.
Brendan Carr, a vocal critic of Big Tech, will now lead the FCC. He has a history of targeting online speech, which has led to apprehension regarding his future actions in this role. Carr's past threats to revoke broadcast licenses from networks deemed not "acting in the public interest" further underscore these concerns. Many believe Carr's leadership could transform the FCC into a tool for policing speech on the internet.
"He's going to try to turn the FCC into the online speech police." – Evan Greer
Adding to the unease is Carr's contribution to Project 2025, where he advocates for dismantling Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. Section 230 currently shields platforms from liability for user-generated content and allows them to moderate such content. Carr's stance has fueled speculation that his leadership might lead to more stringent regulations on online platforms, potentially curbing free expression.
Mary Anne Franks, an expert on free speech issues, expressed concerns about Carr's intentions.
"He has made it explicitly clear that he intends to use the power of the FCC to target 'Big Tech censorship', by which he means punishing any tech company that does not promote right-wing propaganda to his personal satisfaction." – Mary Anne Franks
Andrew Ferguson's nomination as FTC Commissioner also raises eyebrows. Ferguson has indicated that he would use the FTC to scrutinize online speech related to gender-affirming care, LGBTQ issues, and abortion. This approach suggests a potential increase in government oversight of sensitive topics, which some fear might infringe upon free speech rights.
Trump's previous administration witnessed government surveillance of social media profiles belonging to Black Lives Matter activists. Such actions have cast a long shadow and stoked fears about potential privacy violations under his incoming administration, especially with the new tech leadership at the helm.
The dismissal of a Google employee during Trump's first term is another incident that underscores concerns about bias and discrimination. The employee was terminated after writing a memo suggesting biological differences make women less effective programmers. This incident highlighted tensions around workplace diversity and freedom of expression within tech companies.
Kash Patel, nominated to lead the FBI, is another controversial figure. As a former public defender and a staunch Trump loyalist, Patel's confirmation could have serious implications for press freedom. First Amendment experts worry that Patel might pursue actions against journalists critical of the administration, thereby threatening press independence.
Trump's broader stance on technology and media has been characterized by his criticism of fact-checking services, which he accuses of being part of a "censorship cartel." He has warned that actions by social media platforms perceived as curtailing free speech rights would be scrutinized by the new Republican Congress and administration.
Trump has also enlisted Elon Musk and David Sacks, both influential tech billionaires, to advise him on technology-related issues. This move signals an intention to align with prominent industry figures while potentially reshaping regulatory frameworks in a way that could favor specific agendas.
Dhillon, praised by Trump for her legal battles against Big Tech and corporations with "woke policies," further exemplifies the administration's commitment to challenging perceived biases within the tech industry.
