As seen in POLITICO Pro’s Morning Tech 5/22
SECTION 230 IN THE SPOTLIGHT
A House Energy and Commerce subcommittee is set to review draft legislation from Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers and ranking member Frank Pallone that aims to sunset Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. This law currently shields internet platforms from liability for most user-generated content. The proposed bill sets an 18-month deadline for tech companies to negotiate reforms with lawmakers, or they will lose this crucial liability protection.
- Tech Industry Response: Major tech industry groups, including TechNet and the Software and Information Industry Association, strongly oppose changes to Section 230, claiming it protects innovation and competition, especially for startups and small businesses.
AI EXPORT CONTROL BILL GETS ITS MARKUP
The House Foreign Affairs Committee will also meet to discuss the ENFORCE Act, which could impose extensive export controls on AI systems deemed critical to national security. This includes requiring licenses for such systems. The markup was delayed to accommodate last-minute negotiations with the Biden administration.
Tech Industry Concerns:
- Industry Opposition: The Software and Information Industry Association has expressed serious concerns, arguing that a licensing regime could impair U.S. competitiveness and give an advantage to foreign technologies that aren’t bound by the same standards. SIIA suggests leveraging the administration’s AI executive order and funding the U.S. AI Safety Institute instead.
