Iowa Fourth District Congressman, Randy Feenstra, says politicians in Washington, D.C. need to find ways to adjust policies or legislation quicker to keep pace with the rapid changes in technology. Feenstra serves on the U.S. House of Representatives Science, Space and Technology Committee. According to Feenstra, Congress has been slow to put enforceable checks on companies like Google, Amazon, Facebook and other tech giants as their ability to encroach on Americans’ rights and personal information continues to grow.
Feenstra says it is critical that any new legislation does not prevent or make it harder for new businesses to enter the market. However, he believes government intervention may be necessary when a handful of entities control the majority of the market share in a particular sector.
These situations are not speculation as social media companies currently have the final say on what can be posted or shared on their platforms. Additionally, large technology firms use consumer data like recent searches, interests and other information to sell advertisements targeted at users who may not be aware their data is being used in this manner. His worries on this front extend beyond domestic issues. Feenstra says national security risks come with new technology.
Both the public and private sectors rely heavily on satellites every day. From navigation and weather forecasting to bank transactions and media transmissions, the systems that keep these things operating are delicate and would have wide-ranging effects if disrupted. Feenstra is a former Iowa State Senator and adjunct Dordt University professor serving his firm term in the U.S House of Representatives.
