[The incoming Trump administration is poised to make significant changes to the government’s relationship with tech companies, potentially impacting users and the tech industry as a whole. Here are five key questions about the president-elect’s potential impact on the tech industry:
1. Will Trump ban TikTok? Despite previously trying to ban TikTok over national security concerns, Trump has since indicated he no longer intends to do so. However, the law passed by Congress could still lead to the platform’s ban in the United States if it is not spun off from its Chinese parent company.
2. Will Trump regulate AI? Trump has expressed concerns about the potential risks of artificial intelligence, but it is unclear whether he will prioritize regulation. The Republican Party’s election platform promises to repeal an executive order signed by President Joe Biden that laid out guidelines for AI development.
3. Will Trump reform Section 230? Trump has threatened to veto an annual defense bill unless Congress repeals legal protections for social media companies. His pick to head the Federal Communications Commission has warned tech giants that the new administration will “take broad ranging actions to restore” Americans’ First Amendment rights.
4. Will Trump reverse antitrust actions? The Biden administration oversaw a slew of antitrust actions against tech giants, but Trump’s incoming administration is expected to prioritize corporate consolidation and reduce oversight.
5. Will Trump prioritize children’s online safety? While there is bipartisan support for addressing children’s online safety, experts are skeptical that the new administration will make meaningful progress. The Kids Online Safety Act, which passed the Senate over the summer, still faces opposition in Congress.
The Trump administration’s tech policy agenda is expected to be shaped by its support for deregulation, its criticism of tech companies, and its desire to “restore” Americans’ First Amendment rights. As Big Tech leaders await the inauguration, they are bracing for significant changes that could impact the industry and its users.
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