In a significant move, President-elect Donald Trump has selected Brendan Carr, a vocal critic of Big Tech and current senior Republican on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), to lead the agency. This appointment signals a potential shift in the FCC’s approach to telecommunications and internet regulation.
Carr, 45, has been an FCC commissioner since 2017, known for his strong stance against major technology companies and certain policies of the Biden administration. He has criticized the FCC’s decision to withhold nearly $900 million in broadband subsidies from Elon Musk’s SpaceX satellite internet service, Starlink. Additionally, Carr has expressed concerns over the Commerce Department’s $42 billion broadband infrastructure program and President Biden’s spectrum policy.
Recently, Carr addressed letters to tech giants Meta, Google, Apple, and Microsoft, accusing them of censoring American voices. He emphasized the need for the FCC to “restore free speech rights for everyday Americans.” This perspective aligns with Trump’s views on media and technology companies, suggesting a collaborative approach in the upcoming administration.
However, Carr’s outspoken positions have drawn criticism. Democratic Senator Ed Markey described Carr’s recent communications as “a regulator implicitly threatening private companies for their speech,” raising concerns about potential overreach.
Carr has also advocated for relaxing rules that limit the number of radio and television stations a single company can own in one market. He opposes the reinstatement of net neutrality rules, which were repealed during Trump’s first term and have been a point of contention in subsequent years.
Known for his firm stance against Chinese telecommunications companies, Carr became the first FCC commissioner to visit Taiwan in 2022, highlighting his focus on international telecom security.
Trump’s decision to appoint Carr reflects a commitment to reshaping the FCC’s direction, particularly concerning Big Tech regulation and free speech issues. As Carr steps into this leadership role, the telecommunications landscape may experience significant changes, impacting how Americans access and interact with digital services.
