Testimony on 'Competition in Digital Technology Markets: Examining Acquisitions of Nascent or Potential Competitors by Digital Platform' before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Antitrust Subcommittee

Abstract

Is there a problem with large technology firms, or platforms, purchasing nascent competitors and suppressing competition before they can mature into vibrant competitors? Further, if there is a problem, are the current antitrust laws and the enforcement of those laws sufficient to combat the problem? If not, is there a legislative solution? These are all critical questions given that innovation and incentives to innovate are at the heart of all vibrant modern economies. This testimony explores these questions.

Keywords: nascent and potential competition, killer acquisitions, antitrust, FTC, merger enforcement

JEL Classification: K2, K21, L4, L40