During a recent government meeting, significant discussions centered around the enforcement of the BOTS Act, online privacy protections for children and teens, and the implications of artificial intelligence on society.

The BOTS Act, introduced in 2016, aims to prevent scalpers from using automated bots to bypass online sales restrictions for ticket purchases. Despite its passage, enforcement has been minimal, with only one action taken by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to date. Senators expressed concern over the lack of enforcement and pressed nominees for a commitment to uphold the Act. The nominees affirmed their dedication to enforcing the BOTS Act, emphasizing the importance of identifying and pursuing cases against violators.

Another critical topic was the mental health crisis among youth, exacerbated by the pervasive influence of Big Tech. Senator Markey highlighted alarming statistics, noting that one in three high school girls contemplated suicide in 2021. In response, he and Senator Cassidy introduced the Children and Teens Online Privacy Protection Act (COPR 2.0), aimed at enhancing privacy protections for minors. The nominees unanimously agreed on the necessity of robust privacy measures and acknowledged the manipulative nature of targeted marketing towards children.

The meeting also addressed the growing concerns surrounding artificial intelligence and its potential for bias. Senators questioned the nominees about the risks posed by biased algorithms, particularly in areas like facial recognition technology, which can disproportionately affect minority communities. The nominees recognized these risks and committed to monitoring algorithmic practices to prevent discrimination.

Additionally, the issue of free speech in the context of Big Tech's relationship with the federal government was raised. Senator Schmidt expressed concerns about potential censorship and the need for the FTC to uphold constitutional rights while regulating technology companies.

Overall, the meeting underscored the urgent need for effective enforcement of existing laws, enhanced protections for vulnerable populations, and vigilance against the risks posed by emerging technologies. The nominees expressed a strong commitment to addressing these challenges if confirmed.