What's the news: On September 8, the United States (US) government outlined six principles aimed at enhancing competition and platform accountability in the tech sector. The principles were released following a meeting between Biden administration officials and technology experts, in which the harms that tech platforms cause and the need for greater accountability were discussed, the White House said in a press release. "Although tech platforms can help keep us connected, create a vibrant marketplace of ideas, and open up new opportunities for bringing products and services to market, they can also divide us and wreak serious real-world harms. The rise of tech platforms has introduced new and difficult challenges, from the tragic acts of violence linked to toxic online cultures, to deteriorating mental health and wellbeing, to basic rights of Americans and communities worldwide suffering from the rise of tech platforms big and small." — US White House What are the key areas of focus: The principles focus on competition, privacy, the mental health of children, misinformation and disinformation, illegal and abusive conduct, intermediary liability, algorithmic discrimination, and lack of transparency. Why does this matter: These principles will guide US tech policymaking going forward. They come at a time when there are multiple important bills in the pipeline, including an antitrust bill aimed at Big Tech and a federal privacy bill. By shaping these regulations, the principles will determine how platforms that are used by millions of people around the world work. What are the principles: Promote competition in the technology sector. The…
