Lina Khan, a key ally of President Joe Biden's top consumer watchdog, has been appointed to Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's transition team. Her appointment has sparked excitement among progressives but concern among business leaders.
As the former head of the Federal Trade Commission, Khan is known for her aggressive approach to regulation. Under her direction, the FTC successfully blocked a nearly $25 billion merger between two grocery giants, citing concerns over price hikes and labor market harm. She also banned junk fees for concerts and hotels and capped prices on asthma inhalers.
Khan's focus on affordability may center around issues like high food and drink costs at sports venues. A 56-year-old New York City law prohibits "unconscionable" business practices, which Khan believes could be used to limit the price of hot dogs and beer at stadiums. By leveraging her position as a landlord regulator, she aims to control concession prices by inserting new provisions into agreements.
In the healthcare industry, Khan wants to protect consumers from price gouging. She has previously accused big pharmaceutical companies of inflating insulin costs and is now targeting hospitals that overcharge for drugs available at lower prices in drugstores.
Another area of focus is algorithmic pricing, which she believes is anticompetitive and invasive of privacy. New York's recent legislation regulating the use of algorithmic pricing may be a model for Khan to build upon, particularly in regards to companies like Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash.
Khan's appointment has raised concerns about whether her advocacy for consumer protection will translate into a genuine effort to engage with corporate leaders. Business groups have described her as an "ideologue," while supporters praise her expertise and willingness to challenge unjust practices.
As the former head of the Federal Trade Commission, Khan is known for her aggressive approach to regulation. Under her direction, the FTC successfully blocked a nearly $25 billion merger between two grocery giants, citing concerns over price hikes and labor market harm. She also banned junk fees for concerts and hotels and capped prices on asthma inhalers.
Khan's focus on affordability may center around issues like high food and drink costs at sports venues. A 56-year-old New York City law prohibits "unconscionable" business practices, which Khan believes could be used to limit the price of hot dogs and beer at stadiums. By leveraging her position as a landlord regulator, she aims to control concession prices by inserting new provisions into agreements.
In the healthcare industry, Khan wants to protect consumers from price gouging. She has previously accused big pharmaceutical companies of inflating insulin costs and is now targeting hospitals that overcharge for drugs available at lower prices in drugstores.
Another area of focus is algorithmic pricing, which she believes is anticompetitive and invasive of privacy. New York's recent legislation regulating the use of algorithmic pricing may be a model for Khan to build upon, particularly in regards to companies like Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash.
Khan's appointment has raised concerns about whether her advocacy for consumer protection will translate into a genuine effort to engage with corporate leaders. Business groups have described her as an "ideologue," while supporters praise her expertise and willingness to challenge unjust practices.
I'm all for Lina Khan being part of Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's team, she seems like someone who genuinely cares about consumer protection 
but at the same time, I worry that big business might get hit too hard 
with some of her proposed regulations. Like, I get it, price gouging is a real thing and all but maybe we don't need to go as extreme as banning junk fees for concerts and hotels? 
Also, algorithmic pricing regulation is a great idea but how's she planning to make sure it doesn't just lead to higher prices in the long run? 
about Lina Khan getting on board with Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's team!!! This girl is a total game-changer, you feel? She's all about putting consumers first and holding corporations accountable for their actions. I mean, who wouldn't want someone like that in charge of regulating the industry? 
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. Describing Lina Khan as an "ideologue" is just a cop-out. Newsflash: being passionate about consumer protection doesn't make you an ideologue! It makes you a champion for the people 
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. Can't wait to see what Lina Khan brings to the table and how she's gonna shake things up in the city 
. Bring it on, Zohran Mamdani's team 
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. As someone who's been following her work at the FTC, I think she's gonna bring some serious heat to the table when it comes to regulating industries like healthcare and transportation. The whole price gouging thing is wild - I mean, insulin costs have got to go! 
One thing that's got me a little worried is whether corporate leaders will actually listen to her or just dismiss her as an "ideologue". 
. Has anyone thought about how this is gonna play out in practice? Is she just gonna railroad big companies and hope everyone else follows suit? 
which is super interesting because people are hyped about her being all aggressive on regulation 
but at the same time business leaders are worried that she's gonna be too radical 
or insulin prices 
because let's be real, those are just crazy out of control
that's just not cool 
so if New York's legislation becomes a model, that's a win in my book 
and tackling price gouging in the healthcare industry is just plain good sense - we shouldn't have to choose between paying for life-saving meds or losing our jobs because of it. 
. it's all about finding that balance between protecting consumers and supporting small businesses & entrepreneurs 
. fingers crossed for more affordable sports drinks & insulin prices 
. Can't we just get rid of the drama around Lina Khan already? 
she's literally changing the game with her tough love approach on big corps 
my heart is racing thinking about the potential impact of her policies on high food costs at sports venues and price gouging in the healthcare industry 
Algorithmic pricing is a wild card that could go either way. As a fan of the New York legislation regulating algorithmic pricing, I'm curious to see how Khan will apply those lessons to companies like Uber and DoorDash. One thing's for sure: this is gonna be an interesting balancing act between consumer protection and corporate interests!