The White House reported that President Joe Biden will sign a new executive order that will launch a statewide effort to promote competition in the U.S. economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The order targets anti-competitive practices across all sectors, including technology and internet services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The order consists of 72 proposals and measures, among which it states explicitly: “The President encourages the FCC to restore Net Neutrality rules undone by the prior administration.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It also called on the agency to consider limiting early termination fees and preventing internet providers from entering into agreements with landlords that restrict tenants’ choices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It urged the FCC to revive the Broadband Nutrition Label developed under the Obama administration to provide greater price transparency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The order also looked at how “dominant tech firms are undermining competition and reducing innovation,” including an administrative policy that scrutinizes mergers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It would focus on “dominant internet platforms,” in particular “the acquisition of emerging competitors, serial mergers, the accumulation of data, competition by ‘free’ products and the effect on user privacy.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As part of its crackdown on Big Tech, the order called on the Federal Trade Commission to help establish surveillance and data accumulation policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The FTC will also assist with banning “unfair methods of competition on internet marketplaces” and “anti-competitive restrictions on using independent repair shops or doing DIY repairs of your own devices and equipment.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The order also required a more robust merger review in other sectors, such as banking and personal finance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It also called on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to “issue rules allowing customers to download their banking data and take it with them.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Similar announcements of price transparency, consumer rights, increased scrutiny of mergers and the prevention of excessive charges were widespread in all other sectors covered.<\/p>\n\n\n