Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Going after Big Tech
We the people benefit when companies are allowed to grow and innovate. Today, thanks to what some would call “Big Tech,” we can have items delivered in hours and products shipped cross-country in less than 24 hours, all purchased through marketplaces that help us get the products and services we want at lower prices and at greater convenience. Unfortunately, the government feels the need to take authority and decision-making away from these private businesses that have created such innovative technology. Instead, it would give power to un-elected bureaucrats of the Federal Trade Commission and the Justice Department who would have the ability to take away many of the conveniences we have come to rely on.
Congress shouldn’t be in the business of stifling private-sector innovation. Regrettably, Senate Bill 2992, introduced by Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar, could do just that. Titled the American Innovation and Choice Online Act, this bill would ban dominant platforms like Facebook and Google from favoring their own products and services over those of their competitors.
This could also eliminate services and products that make life more convenient and affordable for American shoppers.
Like many of us, when I shop online, I take into consideration several things: initial cost, whether it’s a good deal, and if shipping is included in my purchase. Under this bill, Amazon might not be able to offer free Prime shipping as part of its yearly benefit. This bill would let the FTC and the DOJ designate whether someone is covered by the bill, and both would carry out enforcement of said bill.
Why should the government be able to shut down a private business’ key consumer offering? To what gain?
I see this for what it is — a huge government power grab. PAMELA BOYD SHIELDS
Little Rock