More aggressive Big Tech antitrust using behavioral/hedonic consumer-surplus metrics
Mandate argues traditional price-based models miss platform power; FTC must get more sophisticated measuring consumer surplus and remain open to behavioral explanations (habit, small hedonic differences) for how platforms create/keep market power, given speech/democracy stakes of Type I error.
Mandate
Mandate Ch. 30 (FTC) — Big Tech and Antitrust: FTC must become more sophisticated in measuring consumer surplus; FTC should be open to behavioral explanations such as habit and small hedonic differences as keys to how platforms create and keep market power; failing to enforce (Type I error) may injure democratic accountability and free speech; certain online services have negative utility particularly for young people; utility benefits of many platforms may be overstated.
Undo plan
1) Ground Big Tech cases in established antitrust evidence (foreclosure, advertising market power), not happiness surveys alone.
2) Use behavioral economics as supporting evidence within Rule of Reason—not a blank check.
3) Separate content-moderation/political disputes from merger/monopolization elements.
4) Fund independent empirical research with replication standards.
5) Verify: expert reports’ methodologies; win rates on liability theories.