In recent developments, the Biden administration has taken bold steps to expand its influence over the digital activities of American citizens. This move towards greater control encompasses various aspects of the online world, including broadband internet access, the contentious issue of net neutrality, the oversight of social media platforms, and the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI).
Critics argue that these actions represent an unprecedented grab for power by the federal government, potentially leading to adverse consequences for consumer rights and freedoms. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), under the current administration, is seeking to assert considerable authority over the internet. This includes a push for a court ruling that would grant the right to censor Americans, raising alarms about the potential erosion of free speech.
Big brother constantly watching you in your vehicle…. Democrat utopian nightmare included in Biden's infrastructure bill… https://t.co/xnq3ujaoE6
— Erin Brophy – don't forget to laugh.. (@ERINBROPHY18) November 10, 2023
The administration’s efforts are not limited to censorship concerns. A broad executive order aimed at regulating AI has been issued, covering areas such as safety, security, privacy, innovation, and “advancing equity.” While the intentions behind this order may be to ensure responsible development and use of AI, it also signifies a significant step towards centralized oversight of a rapidly evolving tech sector.
One of the most controversial measures is the push for new rules by the Democrat-controlled FCC to address “digital discrimination” in broadband internet access. These rules, which stem from section 60506 of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, are set to be voted on soon. If implemented, they could vastly extend the commission’s regulatory reach, affecting how internet service providers (ISPs) allocate resources, build infrastructure, and offer services to consumers.
And don’t forget, the new Biden demand! Your cars will all be totally monitored by big brother if you are found to need a demerit on your social credit score! It shuts your car off. Inoperable. Who shuts it off? How does it shut back on? Why? Where? Cost related to digital keys? https://t.co/m6pmoRTI3O
— Sally Gardner (@GardnerSally) November 9, 2023
The implications of such expansive regulatory power are troubling to many who fear it could transform the digital experiences of Americans in profound ways. The concern is that this could lead to a future where the internet in the United States is shaped more by government directives than by market forces and consumer choice.
Adding to the controversy, the Biden administration has requested the Supreme Court to intervene in a case related to social media censorship. This follows an appeals court’s partial affirmation of the government’s ability to engage in such practices. The Supreme Court has agreed to consider the case, which challenges the administration’s attempts to suppress certain content on social media platforms.
Evidence of internet censorship by the federal government, including actions taken by the Biden administration, was highlighted in a recent House Judiciary Committee report. This has sparked further debate about the relationship between the government and Big Tech companies, with some alleging collusion to censor individuals exercising their free speech rights.
Moreover, the FCC is making strides to reinstate net neutrality, a principle that mandates ISPs to treat all data on the internet equally, without favoring or blocking particular products or websites. While supporters of net neutrality argue it ensures a level playing field, opponents contend that it represents a heavy-handed approach to regulation that stifles innovation and investment.
The shift from a historically light-touch, market-driven approach to a more regulatory and precautionary stance has raised concerns among policy experts. They caution that such a shift could hinder the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation that have long been hallmarks of the American tech industry.
As these debates continue, the question remains: what will the future of the internet and digital freedoms look like in America? With the Biden administration’s current trajectory, many worry that the balance between government oversight and individual liberties is tipping dangerously towards the former, potentially compromising the open and free digital environment that has thrived for decades.
