Thread by @markscott82

Seeing ongoing difficulty in getting ANYTHING passed through Congress & can’t help but think: none of the digital rulemaking linked to #antitrust, #contentmoderation or, already a long shot, #privacy is going to happen before the midterms, if not the 2024 presidential election

This is frustrating in some many ways (and, tbf, I’m a cynic on US rulemaking anyway). I wonder if @FrancesHaugen’s testimony will change the dynamics, but I doubt it. Digital policymaking and the fight against “Big Tech” is just not a priority

If you can barely pass a budget or an infrastructure bill, is there really an appetite for #ArtificialIntelligence rules or platform regulation? I find that hard to believe, especially as mid-term electioneering is already around the corner

.@tewheels put it pretty clearly during an event I moderated recently. In the US, digital policymaking comes down to regulatory enforcement and lawsuits, not legislation

That, tbh, could actually be a quicker response to near-term problems. But it’s a band aid trying to heal a broken leg. You don’t move the needle, imo, solely through enforcement. Only comprehensive legislation can tackle the root cause

I contrast the US with Europe and it’s stark — albeit the tech giants spend all their time cajoling Capitol Hill at the detriment to their engagement overseas where the majority of their users live

I am not a cheerleader for the @EU_Commission. But they have already passed comprehensive (and global) privacy rules. Are half-way to new content and antitrust proposals. Have data governance and AI proposals working their way through the legislative process

And then there’s existing rules on #misinformation and more planned — plus upcoming specific rules on political ads (more on that Monday from me and @clothildegouj).

Not all of this is good policymaking (cough, data localization, cough). But the growing divide between the US and Europe is disappointing. Washington just isn’t anywhere near close to participating in these global debates, IMO

Rant over. Thoughts appreciated. Enjoy your Sundays.