Intellectual property protections are popular – polling on antitrust legislation proves

[US Chamber of Commerce, 7/21/22, “New National Poll: Voters Oppose Proposed Antitrust Regulations for Technology Companies”, ]

Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today released a new national poll conducted by AXIS Research. The poll found that 70% of voters oppose Congressional proposals to add new antitrust regulations for technology companies, and a majority of voters are more likely to oppose candidates who support such regulations.

Upon hearing descriptions of the proposed policies in the American Innovation and Choice Online Act, 79% of Republicans, 72% of Independents, and 59% of Democrats say they strongly oppose or somewhat oppose the bill which would impact services they rely on.

Candidates running for office who support the proposed regulations are likely to lose support from voters. Sixty-one percent of Republicans and 53% of Independents say they are more likely to oppose candidates who support the bill, and Democrat voters are more likely to oppose candidates who support the legislation (42%), than support candidates who back it (35%).

The poll reveals that more than anything else, voters want Congress focused on the economy (30%) and inflation (28%). And only 1% of voters think Congress should prioritize regulating technology companies, making it one of the lowest overall priorities for voters.

“Congress should abandon unnecessary, harmful changes to America’s antitrust laws that would drive up prices and reduce choices for American families,” said U.S. Chamber Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer Neil Bradley. “It makes zero sense for Congress to pursue proposals that would make it illegal for companies to offer free shipping, discount goods, or complimentary services. Voters have made it clear they don’t like this bill and they want Congress to focus on taming inflation. Amazingly, the proposed legislation would likely lead to higher prices.”

Voters also see a direct correlation between government regulation and prices with 67% of voters worried that more government regulation of companies will increase prices on consumers.