Senators Call for Independent Agency to Regulate Big Tech

Bipartisan group argues current regulatory efforts have failed, cites harm to children's mental health and user privacy.

A bipartisan group of senators, including Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.), have called on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) to help establish an independent agency to regulate major technology companies.
The senators argue that current efforts to regulate technology have failed and that a new agency is required to protect consumers, promote competition, and defend the public interest.
Previous legislation to establish a commission to oversee digital platforms was introduced by Bennet and Welch in May last year, followed by a similar proposal from Warren and Graham in July.
The senators emphasize the negative impact of social media platforms over the past fifteen years, including harm to children's mental health, undermining user privacy, and distorting market incentives.
The senators also highlight the potential benefits these companies could reap from the rapid development and deployment of artificial intelligence.