The United States’ legislative measures focusing on big tech companies’ impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) and privacy issues might inadvertently harm Small to Mid-Sizee Enterprises (SMEs) due to heightened regulation. This may dissuade investments and hinder SME’s development.
The discussion around data privacy and AI often overlooks the disproportionate effects on SMEs. Policymakers are urged to find a balanced approach to regulation, promoting transparency while also considering SMEs’ unique challenges.
Consequently, policymakers and tech industry players must establish a regulatory framework that is flexible enough to protect privacy and support technological innovation. Overregulation could stifle innovation within these organizations and create an imbalance, favoring larger tech companies.
Therefore, while addressing AI’s critical issues and data privacy, it is essential to ensure the survival and growth of SMEs, which are a vital part of the economy. Policymakers must create regulatory measures that effectively serve these dual purposes.
Significantly, Section 230 of the 1996 law, which protects internet companies from specific lawsuits, is under review. Critics argue that it predominantly benefits larger tech companies.
Balancing AI legislation’s impact on SMEs
Its repeal could expose emerging social media firms to early liability issues, hindering competition and discouraging the use of user-generated content.
On the contrary, many believe these regulatory measures will hurt top-tier companies. However, they may unintentionally bolster their dominance and create obstacles for potential competitors. Therefore, disruptive policy changes may have unforeseen repercussions. Hawks among lawmakers may fail to realize that while adjustments may be necessary, abrupt regulations could eradicate innovation.
After the 2018 introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation, the European tech policy model has proven challenging for small enterprises. The stricter data privacy laws requiring substantial resources resulted in a considerable reduction in start-ups and tech companies willing to innovate due to the stringent regulatory hurdles.
Simultaneously, U.S. policymakers are contemplating adopting the European model, despite potential increases in compliance costs or liability burdens for new SMEs, which could lead to business closures. Meanwhile, constraints on mergers and acquisitions may stifle the growth of SMEs. It’s, therefore essential to design antitrust regulations that not only curb big tech firms‘ influence but also support SMEs’ growth.
While limiting large tech firms’ excesses is crucial, lawmakers must be careful not to inadvertently hamper SMEs’ growth and survival should be paramount in shaping regulatory policies.
