On February 18, 2026, New York state officials announced new antitrust and trade regulation measures aimed at reining in the power and influence of big tech companies operating in the state. The move comes amid growing concerns about the monopolistic practices and anti-competitive behavior of companies like Amazon, Google, Facebook, and Apple.One of the key provisions of the new measures is the creation of a task force dedicated to monitoring and investigating the activities of big tech companies in New York. The task force will have the authority to subpoena records, compel testimony, and conduct on-site inspections of company facilities to ensure compliance with state antitrust laws.Additionally, the new measures include stricter penalties for companies found to be in violation of antitrust laws, including fines of up to $100 million for repeated offenses. Companies that are deemed to have engaged in anti-competitive behavior may also be required to divest certain assets or change their business practices to promote greater competition in the marketplace.New York Governor, Sarah Johnson, expressed her support for the new measures, stating that "it is crucial that we take action to protect consumers and promote a level playing field in the marketplace. Big tech companies have amassed significant power and influence, and it is essential that we hold them accountable for any anti-competitive behavior."The announcement of the new measures was met with mixed reactions from industry stakeholders. While some consumer advocacy groups and small businesses welcomed the move as a positive step towards promoting competition, representatives from big tech companies warned that the measures could stifle innovation and harm the overall economy.Overall, the new antitrust and trade regulation measures signal New York's commitment to ensuring a fair and competitive marketplace for all businesses and consumers. As the state continues to take proactive steps to address the growing power of big tech companies, it remains to be seen how these measures will impact the tech industry in New York and beyond.