NCL strongly opposes 10-year ban on tech regulations
Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829
Washington, DC — The “One Big Beautiful Bill” budget reconciliation legislation includes language that would largely ban states from regulating tech companies for 10 years if the states accept federal money for building out high-speed internet infrastructure. Specifically, the language prevents states from enforcing laws that protect the public from artificial intelligence and “automated decision systems.” The legislation’s definition of “automated decision systems” is so broad it could impact several existing state laws, including safeguards for digital privacy and anti-discrimination.
“Congress shouldn’t force states to choose between building out high-speed internet or protecting their citizens from digital harms,” said NCL Vice President John Breyault. “Several states have enacted critical, non-partisan policies on issues like protecting the public from deceptive deepfakes. Throwing out these protections will not benefit a single constituent.”
The National Consumers League opposes the inclusion of a ban on tech regulations within Congress’s budget reconciliation bill. The League strongly urges members of Congress to remove the provision.
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About the National Consumers League (NCL)
The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.
