Donald Trump, the newly elected president, has nominated Andrew Ferguson as the head of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), highlighting Ferguson's opposition to Big Tech censorship.

Ferguson, who has served as an FTC commissioner since April 2024, is expected to adopt a more business-friendly approach to antitrust enforcement, likely reversing many of the policies implemented by his predecessor, Lina Khan.

Khan, known for her aggressive stance against corporate acquisitions, has faced criticism for her leadership style, which has slowed down mergers and acquisitions, particularly affecting major companies like Amazon and Meta.

The political implications of Ferguson's appointment are significant, especially regarding antitrust enforcement and the relationship between the government and large corporations.

A recent federal ruling that blocked the merger of grocery giants Kroger and Safeway exemplifies the ongoing scrutiny the FTC has maintained under Khan's leadership.

Under Ferguson, the FTC may alter the direction of significant lawsuits against Amazon, which involve allegations of anti-competitive practices that maintain its market dominance.

Ferguson has expressed a commitment to addressing alleged censorship by Big Tech while fostering innovation in the artificial intelligence market.

He has raised concerns about potential collusion among advertisers regarding content moderation, suggesting this could also breach antitrust laws.

Despite potential changes in merger assessments, the FTC is likely to continue investigating Big Tech for anti-competitive behavior, reflecting ongoing concerns from some Republican officials about censorship.

While Ferguson's appointment signals a potential shift in the FTC's approach, some of Khan's aggressive tactics against tech firms may still persist under the Trump administration.

Ferguson's appointment has been welcomed by sectors concerned about the impact of Khan's policies on Big Tech, indicating a desire for a more lenient regulatory environment.

Experts predict that under Ferguson's leadership, the FTC may reconsider previously blocked mergers, including the contentious $24.6 billion merger between Kroger and Albertsons.