A Harris Presidency: Charting a New Course for Social Media and Digital Responsibility
By Steven Rosenbaum, Executive Director, The Sustainable Media Center
As Kamala Harris eyes the presidency in 2024, the tech world is abuzz with speculation about how her administration might reshape the relationship between Silicon Valley and Washington. The issues at stake are numerous, and the implications vast. From data privacy and online safety to antitrust measures and AI ethics, a Harris presidency could mark a significant shift in the tech industry’s regulatory landscape.
Navigating the Complex Terrain of Tech Regulation
Kamala Harris’s deep ties to California, the heart of the tech world, give her a unique perspective on the industry’s challenges and opportunities. Her legal background and experience as California’s Attorney General have equipped her with a keen understanding of the need for robust regulation to protect consumers and ensure fairness. Yet, balancing innovation with regulation remains a tightrope walk, one that Harris will need to navigate carefully.
While discussions around Section 230 have dominated much of the tech policy debate, Harris’s approach is likely to encompass a broader set of concerns. Issues like online safety for children, data privacy, and the ethical implications of AI are increasingly taking center stage.
KOSA and COPPA: Protecting the Most Vulnerable
One of the key areas where Harris might focus her efforts is protecting children online. The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) are at the forefront of these efforts. KOSA aims to provide stricter guidelines to safeguard children from harmful online content, requiring platforms to implement stronger safety measures. COPPA, on the other hand, mandates that websites obtain parental consent before collecting data from children under 13, but many argue that it’s time for an update.
The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) was passed by the U.S. Senate with a 91–3 vote. The bill aims to protect minors online by requiring internet platforms to implement safeguards against harmful content, such as material related to mental health issues. It also mandates parental controls and data protection measures. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives.
With children increasingly accessing the internet at younger ages, and with the rise of social media platforms, the need for enhanced protections is clear.
A Harris presidency could push for stricter enforcement and more comprehensive privacy safeguards, ensuring that tech companies are held accountable for how they handle the data and protect the well-being of young users.
AI Safety: Steering the Future of Innovation
Another critical area for a potential Harris administration is the regulation of artificial intelligence. AI is no longer the stuff of science fiction; it’s an integral part of our daily lives, from virtual assistants and recommendation algorithms to facial recognition and autonomous vehicles. However, with great power comes great responsibility.
The ethical concerns surrounding AI are multifaceted. Issues such as bias in algorithms, privacy invasion, and the potential for job displacement are significant challenges that need to be addressed. A Harris presidency could focus on developing a framework for AI safety, ensuring that these technologies are developed and deployed in ways that are transparent, fair, and aligned with societal values.
Harris could advocate for the establishment of ethical guidelines and oversight bodies to monitor AI development, preventing the kind of unchecked growth that could lead to dystopian outcomes. This would not only protect consumers but also foster public trust in these emerging technologies.
The Role of Section 230
While Section 230 remains a crucial element of the tech policy debate, it is only one piece of a much larger puzzle. Harris’s approach to Section 230 could be part of a broader strategy that includes encouraging platforms to take greater responsibility for content moderation while protecting free speech. Reforms might involve narrowing the scope of immunity, especially in cases where platforms fail to act against illegal content or hate speech.
However, it’s important to recognize that Section 230 alone cannot address all the challenges posed by Big Tech. A comprehensive approach that also considers privacy laws, antitrust measures, and ethical standards for AI is necessary to create a digital environment that is safe, fair, and conducive to innovation.
The Stakes for Democracy and Society
The intersection of technology and democracy is becoming increasingly complex. The decisions made by tech companies and policymakers today will shape the future of public discourse, privacy, and even democracy itself. A Harris presidency could play a pivotal role in defining this future.
Bradley Tusk, a political strategist with deep insights into tech regulation, aptly summarizes the stakes: “We’re at a crossroads where we need to decide what kind of digital world we want to live in. A Harris administration could bring the leadership needed to make those tough choices.”
Aaron Levie, CEO of Box.com, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the need for thoughtful regulation: “We must ensure that technology enhances our lives without compromising our rights and freedoms. A balanced approach is crucial.”
A Vision for the Future
Kamala Harris’s potential presidency offers a unique opportunity to rethink the role of technology in our society. By focusing not just on Section 230 but also on comprehensive issues like child online safety, data privacy, and AI ethics, Harris could help shape a digital future that prioritizes public good over profit.
The path forward is not simple, but it is clear. We need policies that protect the most vulnerable, ensure the ethical use of technology, and promote a digital environment where innovation can thrive without compromising our values. As we look ahead to the 2024 election, the choices we make will define the future of tech — and the future of society.