Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore / CC by 2.0

President-elect Trump has selected Brendan Carr as the next FCC Chairman. Carr, currently the top Republican commissioner at the FCC, has been vocal about regulating major technology companies and addressing what he calls censorship issues.

Carr recently challenged tech giants Meta, Google, Microsoft, and Apple over alleged censorship of Americans. He advocates for "restoring free speech rights" and has outlined plans to expand FCC oversight of large tech companies in the Project 2025 planning document.

Key implications of Carr's appointment:

• Potential expansion of FCC authority over tech companies
• Focus on addressing perceived censorship issues
• Possible challenges to broadcast networks over coverage

However, the FCC's actual ability to regulate tech companies faces significant limitations:

• The FTC and DOJ maintain primary oversight of Big Tech through antitrust and consumer protection laws
• Congressional approval would be needed to expand FCC authority
• FCC cannot currently regulate editorial decisions of broadcasters
• Budget control remains with Congress

Carr has not yet publicly commented on his selection for the chairmanship. The appointment signals a potential shift in tech regulation, though implementing major changes would require legislative support.

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