Alan Butler Executive Director and President | Official website
In a recent discussion about internet regulation, Iorio from a privacy organization shared concerns about the stance taken by Big Tech's lead lobbying group, NetChoice. According to Iorio, NetChoice is adamant about the First Amendment providing immunity for Big Tech members from various regulations, especially in terms of privacy. Iorio highlighted NetChoice's position in the NetChoice v. California Attorney General Rob Bonta briefing, where they argued against privacy laws that aim to protect users from privacy harms through data minimization requirements and use restrictions, suggesting that such laws would not pass constitutional muster.
Furthermore, Iorio expressed apprehension about NetChoice's view on regulating design-mediated harms such as addictive algorithms and dark patterns, as they believe all such regulations would be deemed unconstitutional. This perspective, as described by Iorio, signifies a push to maintain the internet as a lawless space, potentially leaving children and parents vulnerable and hindering government interventions aimed at safeguarding Americans.
The contrasting viewpoints presented by the privacy organization and Big Tech's lobbying group shed light on the ongoing debate surrounding internet regulation and the balance between protecting user privacy and maintaining the freedom of online platforms.
