President Biden’s administration has taken a stand against compromising data privacy, civil liberties, and competition on the internet with a recent executive order on Americans’ data security. The order prohibits the transfer of certain data to countries like China to protect sensitive information and government data.
The move by the Biden administration is just the beginning of policies aimed at addressing concerns about the internet, including misinformation, social media-induced anxiety disorders, and incitement to racial hatred. Tech companies have long tried to equate free data flow with freedom of expression, but the administration is working to prioritize consumer protection over industry profits.
The previous administration under Donald Trump attempted to restrict the United States from imposing data transfer restrictions, jeopardizing privacy and national security. The Trump-era proposal, drafted at the behest of tech lobbyists, sought to limit government oversight of data regulation in trade agreements. The Biden administration’s rejection of these rules reaffirms its authority to regulate large platforms and data traders.
Tech lobbyists were displeased with the Biden administration’s actions as they saw the proposed rules as a way to limit government regulation of tech companies. By rejecting these rules, the administration is committed to prioritizing privacy, competition, and regulation in the digital world. The United States must engage in democratic debate to determine the best way to regulate tech companies and protect consumer interests.
Trade agreements should not restrict the government’s ability to regulate tech companies. The Biden administration deserves praise for standing up to industry lobbyists and prioritizing consumer protection and democratic decision-making in digital policy. Refusing to implement rules that limit government action shows a commitment to democracy and consumer rights.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1664666156-e66f1333182e42fda9fa22fb8fb9e405.jpg)