FTC Appoints Jake Denton as Chief Technology Officer

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has appointed Jake Denton, a former tech policy researcher from the conservative Heritage Foundation, as its new chief technology officer, succeeding Stephanie Nguyen. This role, first established during the Obama administration, is crucial for advising the FTC on emerging technology policy. Denton's appointment coincides with the new FTC chairman Andrew Ferguson's agenda, which emphasizes the need to address Big Tech's dominance while fostering innovation. Denton advocates for Congress to pass artificial intelligence legislation and has called for increased U.S. involvement in international AI standard-setting. His background suggests a conservative approach to tech regulation, in line with the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025, which outlines strategies for antitrust enforcement. The FTC remains the primary regulator of technology in the U.S., overseeing consumer protections and fair market practices, including ongoing investigations into AI partnerships and potential antitrust issues.