Harris vs. Trump: A Clash in Tech Policy Perspectives
Tech Policy in the 2024 Presidential Race: Harris vs. Trump
With President Joe Biden choosing not to seek re-election and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris, the 2024 presidential race has entered a new phase. This shift has brought tech policy into sharper focus, as the perspectives of Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump offer differing approaches to key issues like AI regulation, antitrust enforcement, and digital equity.
AI Regulation:
Harris and Trump represent different philosophies on AI regulation. Harris is expected to continue building on Biden’s AI Executive Order, emphasizing consumer privacy, cybersecurity, and human safety. She advocates for public oversight to manage AI’s transformative potential. Trump, on the other hand, leans towards a minimal regulatory approach, favoring innovation and market-driven solutions over stringent oversight.
Antitrust Enforcement:
Harris is likely to pursue strong antitrust enforcement, similar to Biden’s approach, focusing on reducing the market dominance of large tech companies. She sees this as a way to enhance economic opportunities and manage inflation. Trump, while not entirely opposed to antitrust actions, is expected to take a more business-friendly stance, favoring the flexibility of tech mergers and acquisitions.
Tax Policy:
In terms of taxes, Trump aims to continue his 2017 tax cuts, focusing on reducing both income and corporate taxes. Harris has indicated she would avoid tax increases for those earning less than $400,000, aligning with Biden’s tax policy.
Racial and Gender Biases:
Harris has a strong record of addressing racial and gender biases, particularly in AI. She is likely to support initiatives aimed at reducing discrimination in tech. Trump, however, has not prioritized these issues, often expressing skepticism toward diversity initiatives.
Cryptocurrency Regulation:
Harris and Trump differ in their approaches to cryptocurrency. Harris advocates for stricter regulations, emphasizing consumer protection and transparency, and supports strong SEC oversight. Trump’s position has evolved to favor a lighter regulatory touch, seeing cryptocurrency as a developing innovation that requires room to grow.
Digital Equity:
The Biden-Harris administration has made significant investments in national broadband infrastructure, focusing on reducing the digital divide. Harris is expected to continue these efforts, particularly in underserved communities. Trump may prioritize other infrastructure goals but has shown support for advancing 5G technology, especially in rural areas.
As the election season progresses, the tech policies proposed by Harris and Trump will play a crucial role in shaping the future landscape of digital technologies in the U.S. Each candidate’s approach reflects broader principles that will influence the development and regulation of emerging technologies.
