How Democrats' big plans for Big Tech shrunk to tiny steps

Pledges to tackle data surveillance practices, harm to children's mental health, and tech giants' power over wide swaths of the economy haven't yet translated into passing new laws, and the clock is running out. High-profile bills that would heap new regulations on the tech industry have advanced, but they've yet to cross the finish line into law. On antitrust, the House of Representatives passed a bill in September 2022 that will raise filing fees for large mergers, using the proceeds to fund antitrust enforcement efforts. It also passed another bill that will help state attorneys general bring antitrust cases in the venue of their choice. On privacy, the American Data and Privacy Protection Act would require companies to minimize the amount of personal information they collect from consumers, among other requirements. The Kids Online Safety Act from Sens Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) would require platforms to prevent and mitigate specific harms, including the promotion of self-harm, suicide, eating disorders, and substance abuse. However, even bipartisan support in a 50-50 Senate wasn't enough to speed these bills to passage. That's in part because the bills need to clear a 60-vote filibuster threshold to become law, exacerbating tensions between Democrats who favor stricter rules and Republicans who have more pro-business philosophies. Ultimately, tech regulation lost out to COVID, the economy, and a massive climate, health, and tax spending package for much of this Congress.