No, the US Doesn’t Need Another Tech Regulator, Says ITIF

WASHINGTON— In response to an op-ed in The New York Times from Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) calling for a new tech regulator, ITIF Vice President Daniel Castro issued the following statement:

The Senators’ proposal to strictly regulate Internet companies would be entirely justified if the vile activity they purport occurs on those platforms was a reality.

But the average American does not face an onslaught of sexually abused children, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and bullying when they go online. On the contrary, the typical Internet experience is quite trivial: catching up with friends, watching silly videos, reading the news, and doing other mundane activities. To be sure, there is always more to be done to create safe online experiences, but the largest platforms have all made significant efforts to address these complex societal problems.

Not only have policymakers misdiagnosed the problem, but they are also offering a cure that is worse than the symptoms. Requiring these tech platforms to get a license from the U.S. government would subject them to all types of political interference. Given the recent evidence about the extent of influence that some U.S. government agencies already have tried to exert on political speech online, lawmakers should be cautious about further enabling future interference. The idea that tech companies are above the law is a myth—tech companies must abide by the same laws as any other sector, and, indeed, they operate under unprecedented scrutiny. Rather than attempt to stifle American innovation with a new regulator with broad powers, policymakers should look at specific areas where laws may fall short and address those with targeted legislation or oversight.