In the midst of this global pandemic, employers, teachers, and workers are more reliant on technology than ever before. Protecting consumer access and the market through even-handed and light-touch antitrust enforcement is thus critical. An overzealous approach by the government would be a stark departure from precedent. The consumer welfare standard has been the bedrock of antitrust law for the past four decades. However, Klobuchar’s legislation would be a major step toward putting the federal government at the center of the decision-making process instead of the consumer. The radical proposals in this latest antitrust legislation seek to punish major technology companies, but it will be consumers and small businesses that feel the pain.
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