1、 itif.org The Conservative Weaponization of Government Against Tech ASH JOHNSON|OCTOBER 2024 Some conservatives have grievances with“Big Tech”companies and would marshal the power of government to punish them.But the policy proposals stemming from this conservative“techlash”would have significant co

2、sts for consumers,businesses,and the economy.KEY TAKEAWAYS Conservatives historically have viewed“big government”as the enemy,but todays anti-tech conservatives are willing to use it as a cudgel to punish“Big Tech.”Anti-tech conservatives blame tech companies for corrupting children,censoring conser

3、vative viewpoints,surveilling conservative users,and wielding their market power to push left-leaning ideology.Despite their differences,anti-tech conservatives and many liberals propose similar solutions,such as more government regulation,more antitrust enforcement,and more liability for tech compa

4、nies.These anti-tech solutions come with high costs for America,including economic costs,free speech restrictions,reduced ability to compete with other countries,and missing out on the benefits of technology and innovation.Policymakers can more effectively address the legitimate issues conservatives

5、 have raised with pro-innovation solutions that focus on maximizing the benefits and minimizing the risks associated with technology.INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY&INNOVATION FOUNDATION|OCTOBER 2024 PAGE 2 CONTENTS Key Takeaways.1 Introduction.2 The Conservative Techlash.3 Anti-Tech Arguments.4 Argument#1:S

6、ocial Media Is Corrupting Children.5 Argument#2:Tech Platforms Censor Conservative Viewpoints.7 Argument#3:Tech Firms Surveil Users.9 Argument#4:Liberal Tech Firms Have Too Much Market Power.11 Pro-Innovation Solutions.12 Children on Social Media.13 Censorship and Bias.13 Data Privacy.14 Antitrust.1