The election of Donald Trump as the 47th US President portends change in US technology and digital policy.
Artificial Intelligence
Trump’s team has expressed an intention to repeal President Biden’s AI Executive Order, replacing it with a framework to support AI Development “rooted in Free Speech and Human Flourishing”. The incoming administration aims to streamline AI adoption across government agencies, emphasising the transfer of technological advances from federal initiatives to private industry.
Considerations for AI and tech companies: A shift towards a more flexible federal regulatory environment could facilitate innovation but may lead to changes in safety and compliance standards. Laws at the state level are expected to pass at a faster pace, creating a patchwork system like the US privacy environment.
Cryptocurrency and Digital Assets
The incoming administration supports limiting government oversight of cryptocurrencies and opposes the creation of a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). The GOP platform defends individuals’ rights to mine, own, and transact digital assets without government surveillance. Environmental regulations impacting crypto mining and data centres are expected to be relaxed.
Considerations for the cryptocurrency sector: Companies may benefit from reduced oversight, fostering growth in crypto transactions and mining operations.
Cybersecurity and Data Governance
Cybersecurity will continue as a policy priority, with a focus on protecting critical infrastructure and industrial systems from cyber threats. However, the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 seeks a reduction in the budget and authority of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
The Trump platform included raising network security standards and potentially implementing new requirements for cloud computing providers to maintain comprehensive customer records. Project 2025 also suggests resetting data governance negotiations with the EU to avoid undue burdens on US intelligence operations.
Considerations for cybersecurity providers: Cybersecurity has bipartisan support; the Biden administration kept many of Trump’s national security and cyber policies in place. Rather than mandatory regulations, the administration may pursue voluntary cyber standards.
Space Policy
The administration is expected to promote US leadership in the space industry by supporting near-Earth manufacturing and lunar and Martian exploration. The incoming administration’s views are aligned with current US goals to enhance public-private partnerships in space technology, reinforcing commitments made during Trump’s previous term and maintained by Biden. Expect Elon Musk to play a more active role in space policy.
Considerations for space industry stakeholders: Reinforced public-private partnerships and support for commercial space ventures may drive further growth.
Trade and Economic Policy
The Trump Administration plans to pursue tariffs on imports to bolster domestic markets. Proposals include tariffs on goods from major trading partners, which could impact US economic growth and inflation.
Considerations for trade-dependent businesses: Potential impacts from protectionist trade policies and new tariffs should be considered for strategic planning, with possible retaliatory tariffs on US goods and services abroad, including digital services.
Content Moderation and Online Speech
Lawmakers are likely to discuss repealing “Section 230” to make platforms more accountable for shared content while promoting free speech online, even as recent Supreme Court cases make an overhaul of the law less likely. Censorship will continue to be a key talking point, but both Trump’s Truth Social and X—now a more right-leaning platform—rely on Section 230 to operate.
Considerations for online platforms: Lawmakers will still consider repealing Section 230; children’s online safety bills that were passed by the Senate earlier this year could still be on the table.
Access Partnership is closely monitoring these regulatory developments. If the implications of these shifts could impact your strategy or you would like to explore their effects further, please contact Patricia Wu at [email protected], Chris Martin at [email protected], or Peter Lovelock at [email protected].
