A proposed law created to increase competition in the tech sector would allow users to move their data between social media platforms.
The Augmenting Compatibility and Competition by Enabling Service Switching (ACCESS) Act, introduced by Sens. Mark Warner (D., Va.), Josh Hawley (R., Mo.) and Richard Blumenthal (D., Conn.), has three mandates for platforms with more than 100 million monthly active users. The first would require them to make it easy for users to move their data from one platform to another, while a second mandate would require “interoperability” by competitors. And the third order would have platforms allow other firms to manage a user’s account settings if given permission.
“As a former cell phone guy, I saw what a game-changer number portability was for that industry. By making it easier for social media users to easily move their data or to continue to communicate with their friends after switching platforms, startups will be able to compete on equal terms with the biggest social media companies,” said Warner, a former technology entrepreneur and venture capitalist, in a press release. “And empowering trusted custodial companies to step in on behalf of users to better manage their accounts across different platforms will help balance the playing field between consumers and companies. In other words—by enabling portability, interoperability, and delegatability, this bill will help put consumers in the driver’s seat when it comes to how and where they use social media.”
Tech giants including Facebook, Twitter, and Alphabet—owner of YouTube and Google—have already voiced their support for the Data Transfer Project, which also aims to allow users to move their data from one platform to another.
“We believe people should be able to move their data from one service or app to another,” Facebook said in a statement attributed to Kevin Martin, its vice president of US public policy, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.
Featured News
Judge Mehta Questions Both Sides in Landmark Google Antitrust Case
May 2, 2024 by
CPI
FCC Urges Urgent Funding for Removal of Chinese Telecom Equipment from U.S. Networks
May 2, 2024 by
CPI
Former Pioneer CEO Facing Potential Criminal Charges For Colluding With OPEC
May 2, 2024 by
CPI
South Korea’s Antitrust Regulator Greenlights K-Pop Powerhouse Deal
May 2, 2024 by
CPI
Exxon’s Pioneer Purchase Approved, Former CEO Barred from Board
May 2, 2024 by
CPI
Antitrust Mix by CPI
Antitrust Chronicle® – Economics of Criminal Antitrust
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
Navigating Economic Expert Work in Criminal Antitrust Litigation
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
The Increased Importance of Economics in Cartel Cases
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
A Law and Economics Analysis of the Antitrust Treatment of Physician Collective Price Agreements
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
Information Exchange In Criminal Antitrust Cases: How Economic Testimony Can Tip The Scales
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI