On April 26, 2021, the European Union released its proposals to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) among its 27 member states. In announcing the proposals, the European Commission claimed while AI can produce significant benefits for consumers, the technology “can also bring about new risks or negative consequences for individuals or the society.” While the European Union’s efforts […]
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The Economic Standard: EV Subsidies are a Renewable Waste
As part of his recently released infrastructure plan, President Joe Biden has vowed to overhaul the American electric vehicle (EV) industry with $174 billion worth of spending. But in his rush to spread the cash around, President Biden appears to be doubling down on environmentally inefficient and socially regressive initiatives. Rather than wasting taxpayer money […]
Real Clear Policy: Hawley Takes the Lead in Washington’s War Against Big Tech’s Consumers
In an era of deep partisan gridlock on Capitol Hill, it seems cracking down on big tech by weaponizing America’s antitrust law is unifying both Democrats and Republicans in a way that has not been seen in a decade. In the modern political landscape, both parties seem more interested in punishing big tech for political […]
Inside Sources: Jobs Plan Depends on Too Many Faulty Assumptions
While the AJP has noble aspirations, the bill is being justified completely on faulty assumptions. If enacted, this legislation would render fewer consumer benefits than claimed, while crowding out private investment and leaving taxpayers on the hook to pay for it. Coming up with the right solution to address inadequate broadband access requires a basis […]
Townhall: Europe Takes A Hammer to Big Tech –The U.S. Could Follow
While the Digital Markets Act is not yet European law, its likely passage could fundamentally alter how American tech firms such as Facebook, Apple, and Google operate on the continent. Unfortunately, the legislation represents clear evidence of Europe’s growing hostility to American tech and a desire to penalize external competition. The real concern is that […]
The Economic Standard: Congress Misses the Mark on the INFORM Act
On March 23, 2021, a bipartisan group of U.S. Senators led by Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) introduced the Integrity, Notification, and Fairness in Online Retail Marketplaces for Consumers (INFORM Consumers) Act. If the INFORM Act becomes law, it would “direct online retail marketplaces…to authenticate the identity of “high-volume third-party sellers” and “ensure that consumers […]
No, U.S. Does Not Have Least Affordable Broadband
The American Jobs Plan (AJP), unveiled by the Biden administration in March, is the most recent federal proposal written under the misleading notion that American consumers have the least affordable broadband among Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member nations. The plan includes provisions to address the issue of inadequate internet access and calls […]
Real Clear Policy: Think of Amazon as a Big Box Retailer, Not a Tech Giant
If lawmakers cannot figure out the relevant market for Amazon, then regulators can easily misclassify or narrowly define the relevant market to deem it to be concentrated and, therefore, in need of a government remedy to fix a market failure. While changing antitrust laws would make it easier to punish Amazon or Facebook, it will […]
Infrastructure Plan Is Bad for Broadband
While on a visit to the rust belt city of Pittsburgh, President Joe Biden released his American Jobs Plan, claiming it would “create millions of good jobs, rebuild our country’s infrastructure, and position the United States to out-compete China.” Aside from fixing highways, rebuilding bridges, and upgrading transit systems, Biden’s plan also calls for “affordable, reliable, […]
Inside Sources: Keep Rails on Track for Consumers and Climate
After a full year of lockdowns and social distancing, Americans are understandably eager to once again get back to work and travel this summer. With hopes that economic activity is set to roar back in the wake of the ongoing vaccination drive, last week the House sub-committee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials held a hearing on […]