"Big Tech approaches Trump amid regulatory changes and key collaborations."

The relationship between big tech companies and U.S. politics is undergoing a significant change on the threshold of Donald Trump's upcoming inauguration, scheduled for January 20. After a year of intense regulatory scrutiny in both the United States and Europe, 'Big Tech' seems to be moving closer to the mogul. This rapprochement translates into donations of at least one million dollars to his inauguration event and strategic meetings suggesting an attempt at reconciliation. Despite Trump maintaining his stance on controlling these companies, his alliance with figures like Elon Musk could be softening his positions on regulation in the tech sector. This month, a notable collaboration between Trump and the CEO of SoftBank was announced, who revealed a monumental investment of $100 billion in the United States during Trump's term, which will generate approximately 100,000 jobs, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence. This news not only reflects a shift in the business mindset regarding the current political climate but also signals a possible more collaborative approach between tech companies and the government. Artificial intelligence has been a focal point for regulators, although recent investigations have focused more on the influence of social media on youth and monopoly control. This governmental scrutiny has led the UN General Assembly to unanimously approve a resolution seeking to establish international regulation for artificial intelligence. However, this measure has a more symbolic character, as, in practice, concrete actions remain in the hands of national authorities. In the United States, the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission have been investigating giants like Alphabet, Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon for several years. While the regulatory approach has been relatively bipartisan, significant advances have been made; for example, a court ruling has been achieved that seeks to separate the management of Alphabet's different services. This legal battle recalls past failed attempts to break up Microsoft, suggesting that the struggles between Big Tech and regulators are far from over. Apple, for its part, has been accused of monopolistic practices in the smartphone market, while Meta faces litigation related to the acquisition of emerging competitors. Amazon, in a similar context, is defending its internal policies against complaints from sellers and suppliers. As these investigations progress, results have begun to materialize. For example, Meta has had to implement changes on its platforms, such as increased protection for teenage users on Instagram. Expectations about who will lead the Department of Justice under Trump's new term remain uncertain. However, Trump has indicated his intention to offer key positions to allies, suggesting a shift in the regulatory dynamic. Andrew Ferguson, known for his "pro-innovation" approach, is expected to take the helm of the FTC, which could alter the way regulations on Big Tech are managed. In Europe, the situation is equally dynamic. Teresa Ribera, who will assume a position in the European Commission, is set to take over the antitrust fight from Margrethe Vestager, an emblematic figure in tech regulation in the region. Vestager, dubbed the "tax lady" by Trump, stood out for her firmness against monopolistic practices and tax evasion, imposing significant penalties on companies like Google and forcing Ireland to recover billions of euros in unpaid taxes from Apple. With Ribera at the helm, the European Commission is expected to continue implementing strict measures against big tech companies. One of her main tools will be the new European Digital Markets Act (DMA), which seeks to create fair conditions in digital markets. This regulation will require the most influential platforms to act fairly, avoiding imposing unfavorable conditions on competitors and users. As Trump's inauguration approaches, the landscape for Big Tech becomes more uncertain but also more promising. With a renewed focus on cooperation, both in the United States and Europe, the future of tech regulation could take an unexpected turn. The decisions made by authorities in the coming months will be crucial in defining how relationships between big tech companies and the political and regulatory system in which they operate are structured. In this context, the ability of Big Tech to influence policies and the regulatory framework will depend on their ability to navigate these changes and how they respond to external pressures in both the political and social realms.