The following statement is attributed to Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®, regarding American Innovation and Choice Online Act introduced by the Senate today.
“The American Innovation and Choice Online Act will cause irreparable harm to small businesses and startups and put U.S. companies at a competitive disadvantage against China and other nations eager to overtake our country as global tech leader. The bill allocates vast new powers to the FTC, allowing the commission to ignore the consumer welfare standard, while imposing massive fines with minimal due process. Everyone who is alarmed by the controversial antitrust package introduced in the House should be equally concerned by this Senate legislation.
“Further, the bill will take away features and functions that millions of Americans love and use in their everyday lives. Say goodbye to Amazon Prime free shipping, Google maps in search results, preinstalled iPhone apps and many more.
“The timing of this bill could not be worse. By restricting delivery options and consumer access to lower cost products, this bill if enacted into law will exacerbate Americans’ frustrations with shipping delays and supply chain issues.
“We urge Congress to work with American innovators to promote competition and our world-leading, tech-driven economy.”