A bill that would stop large online platforms from discriminating against outside services has been revived in the Senate after versions in recent years died amid strong opposition from the technology industry.
Judiciary Chair Charles E. Grassley, R-Iowa, and Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., introduced the legislation on Wednesday in what they say is an effort to bolster competition in online retail and between app providers.
Even before the bill’s official announcement, technology groups declared their continued opposition to the effort, which they said would hurt consumers and single out successful businesses.
In a statement announcing the bill, dubbed the “American Innovation and Choice Online Act,” Grassley said the legislation would “expand consumer choice” on the internet.
“In today’s digital age, a handful of dominant companies control what Americans can buy, hear and say online,” Grassley said. “When these companies abuse their market power to give themselves a leg up – whether through censorship, favoritism or discrimination – American consumers and small businesses pay the price.”
