The 2024 US Election Guide: Where Current Candidates Stand on Technology

Against a global backdrop of diverging economic trends, evolving regulatory imperatives, intense geopolitical uncertainty, and highly sensitive elections in the U.S., 2024 is poised to be a year of both heightened risks and opportunities for tech companies and investors alike. The key themes to monitor revolve around navigating complexity, embracing uncertainty, and emphasizing the importance of new-age technology.

As the 2024 US presidential race begins to take shape, it is imperative to assess the candidate’s stand on the most pressing issues facing technology and its users. With the election almost around the corner, here’s a close look at what leading candidates have to say on the most pressing issues facing technology and its users.

Democratic candidates

Joe Biden

Since taking office, President Biden, Vice President Harris, and the entire Biden-Harris Administration has been raising concerns regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI). To make the most of AI’s potential, the Biden-Harris Administration is encouraging tech companies to uphold the highest standards to ensure that AI innovation doesn’t come at the expense of Americans’ rights and safety.

On this note, last year the Biden administration unveiled a set of goals aimed at averting harm caused by the rise of AI devices, including guidelines to protect people’s personal data and limit surveillance. The Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights notably did not set out specific enforcement actions, but instead was intended as a White House call to action for the U.S. government to safeguard digital and civil rights in an AI-fuelled world.

Most recently, Biden’s “Tech Platform Accountability” town hall outlined core principles to reform the technology sector, aiming to promote competition, protect privacy, safeguard children online, revoke special legal protections for large tech platforms, increase transparency about algorithms and content moderation, and prevent discriminatory algorithmic decision-making.

Zooming out, Biden’s overall approach to technology is a measured investment; he aims to support companies developing AI and new tech while implementing pretty sweeping federal guidelines and limitations surrounding security.

Marianne Williamson

Marianne Williamson has been vocal about breaking up tech monopolies and using technology for social good, like expanding access to broadband and closing the digital divide.  Recently in June, she posted on X: “Hard to imagine a greater man-made danger to humanity than nuclear bombs but AI might be it.” She said the threat of AI outweighs its benefits.

 Jason Palmer

Palmer aims to bring in policies to ensure a smooth transition to the digital age that works for all Americans. His administration aims to prioritize job opportunities and people’s rights in the age of advanced technology.

Recently he posted on X “Americans don’t deserve to lose opportunities to technology like #AI. Your job matters.”

Republican candidate

Donald Trump

Former president and Republican front-runner Donald Trump initially called artificial intelligence (AI) “dangerous and scary” in an interview with Fox Business’s Maria Bartiromo, highlighting the power of deepfakes to do anything from creating false product endorsements to turning the tide of war.

But later, by recognizing the strategic importance of AI to the nation’s future economy and security, the Trump Administration established the American AI Initiative via Executive Order 13859 in February 2019. This initiative identified five key lines of effort, including increasing AI research investment, unleashing Federal AI computing and data resources, setting AI technical standards, building America’s AI workforce, and engaging with international allies. 

Third Party Candidates

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. 

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. once said that artificial intelligence “could kill us all” if it were used incorrectly. Later it was observed that he did use AI for his campaign.

Jill Stein

Jill Stein aims to implement a Green New Deal with massive investment in green jobs, industries, and technologies to revitalize the American economy, improve the quality of life of the citizens, protect the planet, and safeguard our children’s future.

Cornel West

Cornel West aims to break up monopolies, including big tech. He argues that tech giants hold too much power and influence and that the government should regulate their market monopoly.

The future and beyond 

As we approach high-stakes elections in 2024 the role of technology in influencing political discourse remains a topic of intense discussion. Technology presents both opportunities and risks, further challenging governments to adapt to this rapidly changing technological landscape. And candidates are likely to revise/refine their policies about how much the government should invest in this field, in competition with other countries, while balancing innovation with national benefits and safety. 

In parallel, there will be a constant push for voluntary projects and measures and industry best practices.  Strategic planning and diligence will be crucial for tech companies and investors leveraging or investing in technology, amidst the shifting requirements and progressive market space.

In all, the 2024 election outcome will shape which priorities will take center stage, how regulations and policies will be crafted, and what role technology will play in the future for the benefit of the country and its people as a whole. 

In brief

The 2024 election results can bring a drastic change depending on the selection of the candidate and his/her thought process.  Developments will be rapid, dramatic, and probably unexpected. New companies and products that were previously unimaginable may have to revamp or revise their products and services according to new policies. Many enterprise processes –will need to be retooled.  We are at the dawn of a new-age tech era, and this landscape presents both opportunity and risk.