Source: Jim Steyer and Bruce Reed
France's Online Environmental Protections Law sets binding standards for algorithms and data collection affecting minors—a regulatory move with no equivalent in the U.S., despite polling showing 70%+ bipartisan support for stronger protections. The gap reflects Congressional inertia rather than public opposition: tech lobbying, jurisdictional confusion between committees, and disagreement over liability shields have blocked federal action while states impose fragmented rules and Europe builds competitive advantage through coherent regulation. Without federal movement, American platforms will operate under European standards anyway, surrendering both policy authority and influence over global norms on a foundational issue.