In the wake of Vice President Kamala Harris potentially securing the Democratic presidential nomination for the 2024 election, discussions have arisen regarding her prospective policy decisions on the regulation of the technology sector should she prevail in the November election. A recent survey conducted by Data for Progress and Accountable Tech sheds light on the public’s stance regarding various measures aimed at regulating technology firms, particularly regarding child safety online and the management of artificial intelligence (AI) systems.
The survey queried participants on their opinions about Harris endorsing policies mandating social media platforms to enhance the safety and privacy of children utilizing their services. The results illustrated broad support, with approximately 80% of likely voters expressing approval of such a stance. This bipartisan support is notable, as it encompasses 96% of Democratic respondents, 78% of Independents, and 64% of Republican participants.
Further inquiries were conducted concerning the protection of personal health information on online platforms. The survey revealed that 78% of voters would favor Harris advocating for measures to guard users’ health data, with support emerging from 93% of Democrats, 77% of Independents, and 63% of Republicans.
On the issue of AI regulation, respondents were asked about supporting mandatory safety guidelines and third-party assessments for AI products prior to public release. The findings indicated that 72% of voters would welcome such regulatory initiatives, including 91% of Democrats, 71% of Independents, and 53% of Republicans.
Moreover, participants were briefed on Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act—which currently provides online platforms with substantial immunity from liability concerning user-generated content—before being asked if they would support reforms that would hold these platforms accountable for the content they host. A significant 70% of respondents indicated approval for this reform, with Democratic voter support at 91%, Independent approval at 66%, and Republican support at a narrower margin of 49%.
Lastly, when questioned about the implementation of robust antitrust legislation directed at Big Tech to mitigate monopoly powers and foster competition, 63% of voters expressed approval of Harris’s potential endorsement of such measures. This figure included majorities of Democrats and Independents (85% and 62%, respectively), while a plurality of Republicans (44%) opposed such action.
These results indicate a clear inclination among voters for a Harris administration that prioritizes the regulation of the burgeoning technology sector and imposes accountability on Big Tech firms for their consumer protection responsibilities.
Tenneth Fairclough II is a polling analyst with Data for Progress.
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