Just 5% of Americans Want Antitrust Focus on Tech
WASHINGTON, September 24, 2018 – Americans overwhelmingly value the contributions of the technology industry and do not support antitrust enforcement, despite aggressive rhetoric from President Trump, a new NetChoice survey* of 1,200 U.S. consumers found.
President Trump has placed America’s largest tech platforms in the crosshairs of U.S. antitrust authorities. Attorney General Jeff Sessions is also holding a meeting with several State Attorneys General today to discuss accusations of social media bias. But Americans don’t support an antitrust crack down on America’s most innovative businesses.
New polling shows that only about 5% of Americans (on both sides of the political aisles) say the federal government should focus anti-competitive enforcement on the tech industry. Further, just 1 in 5 Americans say the break-up of big tech would most benefit consumers.
The value of tech to consumers and businesses is clear.
Over 70% of Americans say that digital advertising platforms like Google and Facebook are valuable to both small businesses and the national economy. Just 13% say that they have had a negative experience with large Internet platforms and 72% say that services like Facebook, Google, and Amazon make it easier for them to connect with people in their community.
“President Trump’s fixation on breaking up tech platforms lacks support from Americans,” said Steve DelBianco, president of NetChoice. “Antitrust policy needs to be guided by facts, not emotional outbursts. The government cannot violate the First Amendment by forcing Internet platforms to suppress negative news. Internet platforms are a boon for American consumers, businesses, and, in turn, the U.S. economy. The President should listen to regular Americans and allow U.S. tech companies to continue to thrive and innovate.”
*About the Survey: From August 6-8, 2018 Zogby Analytics conducted an interactive survey of 1,222 adults focused on consumer attitudes toward Internet platforms and government regulation. The survey, commissioned by NetChoice, has a margin of error of +/- 2.8%. It is available at NetChoice.org/TechlashPoll
About NetChoice
NetChoice is a trade association of eCommerce businesses all of whom share the goal of promoting convenience, choice, and commerce on the net.