In a move aimed at promoting fair competition and protecting consumers, California has introduced new antitrust regulations and trade laws to crack down on monopolistic practices in the state. The new regulations, which were announced by the California Department of Justice on February 20, 2026, come in response to growing concerns about the concentration of market power in the hands of a few big tech companies and other corporate giants.California Attorney General, Jessica Jones, stated during a press conference that the new regulations are designed to level the playing field for businesses of all sizes, prevent anticompetitive behavior, and ensure that consumers have access to a wide variety of choices at competitive prices.Under the new regulations, companies found guilty of engaging in anticompetitive practices such as price-fixing, bid-rigging, market allocation, or monopolization will face strict penalties, including hefty fines and potential criminal charges. In addition, the regulations empower the California Department of Justice to conduct thorough investigations into suspected antitrust violations and take swift action to address any violations found.The announcement of the new regulations comes on the heels of several high-profile antitrust cases in California, including a landmark lawsuit against a major tech company for allegedly using its market dominance to stifle competition and harm consumers. The outcome of these cases, along with mounting pressure from consumer advocacy groups and lawmakers, has spurred the state government to take decisive action to strengthen antitrust enforcement and protect the interests of California residents.Industry experts have welcomed the new regulations as a step in the right direction towards promoting healthy competition and preventing the abuse of market power by big corporations. However, some critics have raised concerns about the potential impact of the regulations on innovation and economic growth, arguing that overly restrictive antitrust measures could stifle competition and deter investment in the state.Despite these concerns, the California Department of Justice remains committed to enforcing the new antitrust regulations effectively and ensuring that businesses operate in a fair and competitive marketplace. Attorney General Jessica Jones emphasized that the regulations are essential to protecting consumers, promoting economic growth, and upholding the principles of a free and open market in California.