### Growing Consensus on Social Media’s Overreach
Americans across the political spectrum have united in their concern over the excessive power held by social media companies in the realm of politics. A recent Pew Research Center survey revealed that a staggering 78% of American adults believe these companies wield undue influence, a sentiment shared by 84% of Republicans and 74% of Democrats. This bipartisan consensus represents a 6% increase in concern since the previous presidential election year.
### Bipartisan Efforts to Address the Issue
The growing unease over social media’s political influence has spurred bipartisan action. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) have collaborated on the Kids Online Safety Act, which aims to impose a duty of care on social media platforms to protect children from potential harms. However, privacy advocates have raised concerns about the bill’s potential to increase government surveillance of adults.
In a surprising alliance, Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) have teamed up to propose a bill that would establish a commission to oversee big tech platforms. This partnership underscores the urgency of addressing the issue, as both senators have acknowledged the unprecedented power wielded by these companies.
### Diverging Views on Political Bias
While there is broad agreement on the need for social media regulation, conservative and liberal Americans hold diverging views on whether these companies favor one political perspective over another. A majority of Republicans (71%) believe that big tech favors liberal views, while only 15% of all adults see it as supporting conservative viewpoints. This divide has contributed to the rise of explicitly conservative social media platforms such as Rumble, Parler, and Truth Social.
### Government Scrutiny and Lawsuits
Under the Biden administration, government agencies such as the FTC and DOJ have stepped up scrutiny of tech companies. Major lawsuits have been filed against industry giants like Amazon, Apple, and Meta, alleging anti-competitive practices. Despite this increased oversight, only 16% of U.S. adults believe tech companies should be subject to less regulation, a figure that has grown since 2021.
### Clear Mandate for Tech Regulation
The Pew survey findings paint a clear picture: Americans are fed up with the outsized influence of big tech. While liberal and conservative perspectives may differ on specific policy approaches, the overwhelming majority support measures to curb the power of these companies and ensure a more balanced and fair online landscape.
