Tech Platforms and Market Power: What's the Optimal Policy Response? Thomas A. Lambert Introduction The dominance of digital platforms, particularly GAFA firms like Google, Amazon, Facebook, and Apple, has led to calls for government intervention from both progressive and conservative voices. While some share concerns about consumer harm, wealth inequality, and political power, conservatives emphasize the firms' role as speech and information gatekeepers and their bias against traditional values. Despite these varied concerns, a congressional subcommittee, government officials, and US research centers have proposed significant restrictions on the platforms.
