Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan recently paid a visit to Silicon Valley with a surprising message for the tech industry: she’s a friend to entrepreneurs and founders. Khan, known for her tough stance on Big Tech, embarked on a two-day trip to the tech hub to engage directly with the startup community and gain insights into the risks they face.
During her visit, Khan emphasized her focus on artificial intelligence (AI), an area that President Joe Biden’s executive order has tasked the agency with investigating. She expressed concerns about the control exerted by a handful of companies over critical inputs into AI technology, leading to potential bottlenecks that could hinder innovation and competition. Khan’s agency will be examining various aspects, including graphics processing units, cloud computing, and data used by AI models.
Khan’s outreach to the tech community in Silicon Valley marks a significant shift in her strategy. Previously, she made a more low-key attempt in New York, meeting with a small group of venture capital investors and discussing tech regulations at a local bookstore. However, in San Francisco, surrounded by tech workers and VC investors, Khan received a warm welcome with applause and cheers during a fireside chat at a Mission District cafe.
It is no secret that Big Tech companies, particularly Amazon and Meta, view Khan as an obstacle. Even before she took on her role as FTC Chair, both companies requested her recusal from any antitrust investigations related to their practices, citing concerns over her impartiality. Khan gained prominence through her 2017 academic article that highlighted Amazon’s anticompetitive practices.
The tech industry has closely followed Khan’s actions, especially her agency’s lawsuit aimed at blocking Meta’s acquisition of AI startup Within Limited. At Stanford University, a man who claimed to have worked for Meta expressed his admiration for Khan and praised her efforts against his former employer.
Khan’s visit to Silicon Valley underscores her intention to bridge the gap between policymakers and tech entrepreneurs. By engaging directly with the startup community, she aims to better understand their perspectives and address the risks they face. This new approach signals a departure from her reputation as a strong critic of Big Tech and sets the stage for potential alliances and collaborations between regulators and the tech industry.
As Khan continues her efforts to reshape the relationship between Washington, D.C., and Silicon Valley, her focus on AI and commitment to promoting innovation and competition will likely play a crucial role in shaping future policies. The outcomes of her outreach efforts and the alliances formed during her Silicon Valley trip may have significant implications for the tech industry as a whole.
In conclusion, Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan’s trip to Silicon Valley revealed a surprising shift in her approach towards the tech industry. By actively engaging with entrepreneurs and founders, Khan aims to foster dialogue and better understand the risks they encounter. Her emphasis on AI and commitment to addressing issues related to innovation and competition set the stage for potential collaborations between regulators and the tech industry. The outcomes of her outreach efforts will undoubtedly shape the future of tech policies in the United States.
