The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has appointed Jake Denton, a former tech policy researcher from the conservative Heritage Foundation, as its new chief technology officer. Denton announced his appointment on X, replacing Stephanie Nguyen, who was appointed in 2022 under former FTC Chair Lina Khan.
The position of chief technologist was first established during the Obama administration to advise the FTC on emerging technology policy issues. Denton’s appointment comes as the new FTC chairman, Andrew Ferguson, begins to shape his agenda. Ferguson has previously expressed concerns about Big Tech companies dominating digital markets and public forums, but also cautioned against impeding US innovation.
Denton’s background suggests a conservative approach to tech policy. In a 2023 Fox News interview, he advocated for Congress to pass artificial intelligence legislation. He co-authored an opinion piece with the Heritage Foundation’s tech policy director, Kara Frederick, calling for greater US involvement in international AI standard-setting efforts.
“If America and freedom-loving nations don’t write the rules of the road for emerging technologies like AI, authoritarians will do it for us,” Denton and Frederick wrote.
The Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, often seen as a policy blueprint for the Trump administration, outlined ways for antitrust enforcers to promote conservative causes, while also questioning the continued existence of the FTC.
The FTC plays a crucial role in regulating the technology sector, enforcing laws that protect online shoppers and children on the internet, and prohibiting unfair, deceptive, and anticompetitive business practices. Under Khan, the FTC initiated investigations into AI partnerships, including those between Microsoft and OpenAI, and probed potentially anticompetitive conduct at Microsoft and OpenAI’s compliance with consumer protection laws.
It remains unclear whether Ferguson will continue these probes. The former president praised Ferguson as “the most America First, and pro-innovation” head of the FTC. Ferguson has criticized Big Tech companies, particularly over their content moderation policies.
The FTC is also preparing for a trial in April against Meta Platforms in a case brought during the first Trump administration over its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp. Additionally, the FTC sued Amazon.com during President Joe Biden’s term over policies it alleges were designed to stifle competition and prevent Prime subscribers from canceling. Both companies have denied the allegations.
Before his time at the Heritage Foundation, Denton held internships in Congress and a fellowship at the Federalist Society. His appointment as chief technology officer signals a potential shift in the FTC’s approach to tech regulation under the new administration.
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