Publications: Alan McQuinn

Policymakers should encourage financial innovation by using regulatory processes and approaches that promote flexible oversight, including stakeholder engagement, coordination, experimentation, alternative supervision, and regtech.

Growing animus toward “Big Tech” companies and generalized opposition to technological innovation engenders support for policies that are expressly designed to inhibit it. That is deeply problematic for future progress, prosperity, and competitiveness.

ITIF has provided comments with the Federal Trade Commission regarding its implementation of the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).

A national framework for digital economy rules would ensure the same protections for all U.S. residents, minimize transaction costs for businesses, enable opportunities to innovate, and increase efficiency in the policymaking process.

ITIF has provided comments with the U.S. State Department regarding its draft guidance for the export of surveillance technology.

ITIF has filed comments with the Federal Aviation Administration regarding its draft policy changes for testing of supersonic aircraft.

Federal legislation mirroring key provisions of privacy laws in Europe or California could cost the U.S. economy about $122 billion per year.

ITIF has filed comments with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, regarding its draft policy changes towards transborder data flows.

While there is a lot of misinformation circling about the Libra system, the goals of an open, general-purpose financial system are admirable. Policymakers should support these systems, whether they are facilitated by tech companies like Facebook, cryptocurrency businesses, banks, or any other organization.

Policymakers can and should do more to support blockchain innovation and adoption, such as ensuring regulations are targeted and flexible, so as to encourage blockchain experimentation.