Regulators Open Inquiry to Modernize Competitor Collaboration Rules Amidst Antitrust Leadership Turmoil

Washington D.C., Thursday, 26 February 2026.
The Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission have launched a pivotal inquiry to draft new guidelines for competitor collaborations, seeking to replace frameworks withdrawn in late 2024. This initiative aims to clarify legal boundaries regarding modern practices like algorithmic pricing and AI data sharing, with public comments due by April 24, 2026. However, this push for regulatory clarity stands in stark contrast to the deepening chaos within the Antitrust Division following the abrupt February 12 resignation of chief Gail Slater. While officials argue for greater transparency, House Democrats are simultaneously investigating allegations that Slater’s ouster was engineered to facilitate specific corporate mergers, including the controversial handling of the Hewlett Packard Enterprise case. The juxtaposition of establishing new enforcement standards while facing accusations of political corruption highlights a fragile moment for U.S. economic policy.