Many potential tech regulations are supported by a large majority of Americans, including many Republicans and Democrats.
- The most popular regulations focus on giving consumers more control over their personal data.
WHY IT MATTERS – Tech regulation could be a potential area for the Republican House and Democrat Senate and White House to work together.
REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS AGREE – A recent YouGov poll asked Americans about 30 potential tech regulation policies. A majority of Democrats and Republicans supported 29 of them. Some of the highest performing included:
Requiring companies to promptly notify users in the event of a data breach involving their personal data
- 81 percent– Support
- 11 percent– Oppose
Requiring companies to allow users to opt out of targeted advertising
- 80 percent – Support
- 11 percent – Oppose
Implementing a “digital privacy bill of rights” to protect personal data and privacy online
- 80 percent– Support
- 10 percent– Oppose
Regulating the collection and use of children’s personal data online
- 76 percent–Support
- 15 percent–Oppose
INCENTIVES: A SOLUTION? – YouGov poll also asked Americans if they support providing tax incentives for companies that invest in data privacy and security measures.
- 59 percent–Support
- 19 percent– Oppose
Those in support include 67 percent of Democrats and 57 percent of Republicans.
FACIAL RECOGNITION: LESS AGREEMENT – The one proposed solution that did not receive bipartisan majority support was banning the use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement agencies.
- 50 percent of Democrats – Support
- 40 percent of Republicans – Support
BOTTOM LINE– Americans tend to support regulations that provide them with more control over their personal information, including the ability to download, edit, and remove it.
GO DEEPER –
YouGovAmerica – U.S. tech regulation receives overwhelming public support and bipartisan backing
Financial Times– Letting the public decide is key to Big Tech regulation
Morning Consult- Bipartisan Support for Big Tech Regulation Adds to the Sector’s 2023 Challenges