Press Release | March 10, 2021

Online Competition Policy Should Protect American Consumers and Innovators, CTA Says

by 
Laura Ambrosio

The following statement is attributed to Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®, regarding tomorrow’s Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing, “Competition Policy for the Twenty-First Century: The Case for Antitrust Reform.” 

“We welcome thoughtful, fact-based discussions in Congress around online competition and antitrust. As these conversations progress, Congress should prioritize policies that protect consumers, while defining clear rules that preserve America’s global technology leadership. 

“With competition just a click away, claims of technology companies as monopolies are misguided and unfounded. Competition in the tech sector is fierce, with record levels of R&D investment and a thriving U.S. startup scene. Antitrust action against tech companies would have a disastrous effect on the U.S. economy, which is already struggling to recover from the pandemic. 

“Now more than ever, America’s crown-jewel companies are improving consumers’ lives  – empowering Americans to stay productive at work, educate our children, connect with loved ones, access medical care and more. Congress must continue to allow American innovators to provide valuable services to consumers in a competitive global market.”