Antitrust and Competition Policy: Big Tech and Merger Enforcement

This report examines federal antitrust law and its application to large technology companies and merger activity. It describes the Sherman Act, Clayton Act, and Federal Trade Commission Act, as well as the enforcement roles of the DOJ Antitrust Division and the Federal Trade Commission.

The report discusses recent antitrust litigation against major technology platforms, including cases alleging monopolization of search, social media, and app distribution markets. It analyzes revised merger guidelines and increased scrutiny of acquisitions in technology, healthcare, and other sectors.

Congressional considerations include proposals to update antitrust statutes for the digital economy, impose nondiscrimination and interoperability requirements on dominant platforms, increase merger filing fees and enforcement funding, and address the consumer welfare standard in antitrust analysis.