New House speaker brings forthcoming shifts in Big Tech policy.
The Change in Speaker of the House: A Stronger Push Against Big Tech
The recent change in speaker of the House has ignited a renewed vigor in Congress to rein in Big Tech and safeguard against conservative censorship. With two leading candidates vying to replace Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) as House speaker, the stage is set for a potential shift in technology policy.
The Leading House Speaker Candidates and Their Stances
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), chair of the Judiciary Committee, and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) have emerged as the frontrunners in the race. Both candidates have demonstrated a stronger commitment to taking legislative action against Big Tech compared to McCarthy’s tenure.
Let’s take a closer look at where these candidates stand on key technology policy issues:
Scalise and Jordan’s Common Ground
- Both Scalise and Jordan share skepticism towards the Federal Trade Commission, particularly under Chairwoman Lina Khan, a vocal critic of Big Tech giants like Amazon. They align with the “hipster antitrust” movement, which advocates for a more critical approach to corporate concentration and income inequality.
- When it comes to censorship, both candidates have shown a skeptical stance towards Big Tech. They have actively participated in hearings, grilling the CEOs of Twitter, Facebook, and Google.
- They also support the reform of Section 230, a provision in the Communications Act that shields websites from liability for third-party content. Scalise and Jordan argue that this protection enables Big Tech companies to evade accountability for their content moderation decisions.
Scalise and Jordan’s Contrasting Approaches
While Scalise has focused on privacy and telecom-oriented legislation, Jordan has used his position as Judiciary Committee chairman to scrutinize Big Tech’s communication with federal agencies regarding COVID-19-related content censorship. Jordan’s emphasis has been more on speech rather than antitrust or company size.
Interestingly, Jordan has occasionally clashed with fellow conservatives in the House GOP conference who advocate for breaking up Big Tech companies due to their content moderation policies. He even opposed the antitrust efforts of Rep. Ken Buck (R-CO), a prominent Big Tech critic.
Exploring Alternative Options
Although Scalise and Jordan are considered the top contenders for the speaker position, other possibilities have been suggested. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) proposed former President Donald Trump as an option, given his strong criticism of Big Tech. However, Trump has declined the role. Rep. Kevin Hern (R-OK), the current head of the Republican Study Committee, is also in the running, but his focus on technology policy has been limited.
McCarthy’s Complex Relationship with Big Tech
McCarthy’s history with tech companies can be described as a “love-hate” relationship. While he initially promised to confront Big Tech through repealing Section 230 and enhancing antitrust enforcement, his efforts were largely driven by Jordan. McCarthy’s close ties to Big Tech, including his advisors’ connections and significant donations from tech companies, have drawn scrutiny from conservatives.
As the race for House speaker unfolds, the potential for a stronger push against Big Tech and conservative censorship looms large. The outcome of this leadership change could shape the future of technology policy in Congress.
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How might the shift towards greater regulation and scrutiny of the tech industry, as indicated by the stances of both Rep. Jordan and Rep. Scalise, affect the future of Big Tech in America
Isions and allows for the potential silencing of conservative voices.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise has made it clear that he intends to prioritize bridging the digital divide and expanding broadband access, particularly in rural areas. This focus on infrastructure aligns with the growing recognition of technology as an essential utility, much like electricity or water. On the other hand, Rep. Jim Jordan has been a vocal advocate for protecting consumer privacy and data security. He has emphasized the need for stronger regulations on tech companies’ collection and use of personal data, particularly with regards to targeted advertising and data breaches. If either Scalise or Jordan were to become the new speaker of the House, it could signal an era of increased scrutiny and regulation for Big Tech companies. Their shared skepticism of the Federal Trade Commission, coupled with their support for Section 230 reform, suggests that they would push for stricter antitrust enforcement and increased accountability for content moderation decisions. Furthermore, their focus on issues like bridging the digital divide and consumer data privacy indicates a broader commitment to ensuring fair competition and protecting users’ rights in the digital age. The change in speaker of the House offers a promising opportunity for a stronger push against Big Tech. Whether it is Rep. Jim Jordan or House Majority Leader Steve Scalise who assumes the role, their stances on technology policy indicate a shift towards greater regulation and scrutiny of the tech industry. As the race for speaker unfolds, it will be interesting to see how these candidates’ positions evolve and how they ultimately shape technology policy and the future of Big Tech in America.Scalise’s Additional Focus
Jordan’s Additional Focus
The Potential Impact on Big Tech
Conclusion
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