OPINION: Anti-“Big Tech” Frenzy Risks Hurting Businesses

Submitted by Tommy Johnson

In the movie “Groundhog Day,” Bill Murray is forced to relive the same day over and over again. Looking at the news, especially coming out of Washington, it’s hard not to feel a similar sentiment. The same politicians, the same problems, and the same news stories year after year. One particular story that keeps coming up repeatedly is “Big Tech.” It feels like we’ve been talking about it for at least a decade. Yet each year that goes by, it feels like efforts to “restrain” Big Tech are getting more and more over the top. Most recently, we saw the Federal Trade Commission issued a report that considers most of the routine activity on social media as “commercial surveillance,” while legislation like the American Privacy Rights Act would crush small businesses' ability to compete with multinational conglomerates.

         Louisiana’s economy is powered by small businesses, in fact, 99.5% of Louisiana businesses are small businesses. As a social media entrepreneur and influencer, I regularly work with small businesses. Digital ads have played a vital role in allowing our small businesses to grow and expand. Without access to these crucial resources, I would be outspent by competitors that have massive financial war chests at their disposal.

I urge Congress to listen to reason and the small businesses that depend on digital advertising to reach consumers.