Jennifer Huddleston

Ideally, when considering the potential implementation of this Roadmap—or any other AI regulatory framework—policymakers should seek to support the light‐​touch approach that has long led to Americans’ success in a wide range of technological fields.

While seeking to protect consumers from harmful data practices is well intentioned, many policy proposals would also impact free speech, the beneficial uses of data, and further innovation in fields such as AI.

Some American regulators like the Federal Trade Commission are actively working with EU bureaucrats to regulate US companies through such policies rather than recognizing that this approach hampers American innovation, the economy, and consumers.

The eagerness of antitrust enforcement in such an emerging market is just the latest example of the “big is bad” mentality that drives much of the US’ current approach to competition policy. If antitrust loses its objective standard, it is consumers who will lose out on the most innovative products and the best service options in the market.

It is important to remember that while the underlying policy can impact the way competition plays out in the tech market, antitrust law is ill-equipped to resolve concerns beyond competition policy. 

In the face of European and state-level regulation, however, a proactive statement of intended policy will likely be needed to overcome the problems that could arise and prevent American companies from strongly competing on a global stage.

The current policy approach to content moderation under Section 230 has allowed competition for platforms hosting user-generated content to flourish. Changes could limit rather than encourage that competition.

The availability of platforms to lower barriers to sharing information or creating a business has empowered a new wave of entrepreneurs who might never reach household fame but who are contributing both to their own households and the greater economy.

Financial data and the financial services sector’s use of data have long been considered more sensitive due to the potential economic impact on consumers and businesses from abuse or breach.

Before we panic about AI’s potential impact, we should recall that many times the concerns are mere extensions of existing concerns, not new threats.