The return of Donald Trump to the presidency could significantly reshape how the U.S. government interacts with technology companies. From policies on artificial intelligence (AI) to decisions on tech giant monopolies, Trump’s administration might chart a course with far-reaching implications. Here are five major questions surrounding his potential influence on the tech sector:
1. Will TikTok Be Banned?
During his first term, Trump attempted to ban TikTok over concerns about its Chinese ownership, citing national security threats. However, he has since shifted his stance, declaring in a TikTok video that he would “never ban” the platform. Despite this, a Congressional law set to take effect just before his inauguration mandates TikTok’s ban unless its Chinese parent company divests ownership—something the company has refused to do.
Trump could navigate this situation by either directing the attorney general not to enforce the law or asserting that TikTok complies with a “qualified divestiture” clause, though both approaches carry legal risks. Experts note that the platform’s fate largely depends on how aggressively Trump’s administration decides to enforce or reinterpret the law.
2. Will Trump Be More Lenient on AI?
Trump is taking office amid growing global concerns about AI’s risks, from discrimination to threats to national security. While he acknowledges AI’s potential dangers, his administration appears inclined to ease regulations to foster innovation. Republican platforms have criticised Biden’s executive orders on AI as overly restrictive, labelling them as “radical left-wing” hindrances.
Trump may repeal Biden’s policies and push for federal laws that override state-level AI regulations. This approach could create a more uniform regulatory environment but may sideline critical safeguards against AI misuse.
3. What Will Happen to Social Media Regulation?
Trump has long criticised social media companies for alleged censorship of conservative voices. He previously sought to repeal Section 230, the legal provision that protects platforms from liability for user-generated content while allowing them to moderate as they see fit.
Brendan Carr, Trump’s expected FCC appointee, may push for reinterpretations of Section 230, making platforms accountable if they remove certain speech. However, critics warn this could erode efforts to combat hate speech and misinformation online. These reforms could also impact Truth Social, Trump’s own social media platform, and Elon Musk’s X.
4. Will the Antitrust Pressure on Big Tech Ease?
Under Biden, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) aggressively pursued antitrust actions against tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Apple. Trump’s administration is expected to adopt a more business-friendly approach, potentially scaling back these efforts. Experts suggest this could pave the way for increased corporate consolidation, making it easier for tech behemoths to acquire smaller competitors.
Questions remain about how Trump’s Department of Justice would handle ongoing antitrust cases, including lawsuits aimed at breaking up Google.
5. Can Congress Finally Pass a Kids’ Online Safety Law?
Protecting children online is a rare area of bipartisan agreement, with the Kids Online Safety Act gaining traction in the Senate. However, disagreements over its provisions have stalled progress. Although Trump’s administration may support the initiative, experts caution that political theatrics could overshadow meaningful legislative action.
