A Democrat tech policy activist has launched a tech policy industry coalition focused on promoting technology’s “progressive” future. Across the political spectrum, tech companies, especially Big Tech companies, have come under fire for abusing their power.
On March 30, Adam Kovacevich, a Democrat who has been in the tech policy industry for over two decades launched the new coalition, called Chamber of Progress, according to a press release.
The new policy coalition was launched to “help usher in a progressive high-tech future and ensure that all Americans benefit from technological steps.
“Technology has brought information to our fingertips, delivered affordable goods to our doorsteps, and kept us connected during a pandemic,” Kovacevich said. “Our organization will be focused on making America’s high-tech future bright, fair, and inclusive for all Americans.”
Kovacevich previously worked for Google’s policy team, and was part of the policy leadership at Information Technology Industry Council and Lime, an urban mobility company. He has also been involved in politics, serving as an aide to several Democrat officials, including Sen. Joe Lieberman (CT), and Rep. Cal Dooley (CA). He was also among the members who founded the House New Democrat Coalition.
The coalition will advocate for tech-related public policies in three key areas:
“Economic progress, including combatting income inequality; promoting a bigger, modern social safety net; encouraging progressive taxation; and supporting reliable, win-win online marketplaces.
“Social progress, including promoting inclusive democracy; supporting bold action against climate change; promoting digital opportunity for all; and advocating for healthy and equitable online communities.
“Consumer progress, including promoting the principle that tech should always serve consumers’ interests; “building back better” by investing in communities and regulated innovation; increasing access to goods and information; and balancing consumer and worker concerns.”
Kovacevich believes the coalition will ensure tech companies operate fairly and responsibly.
“The tech industry’s political honeymoon is over, and everyone wants to make sure that tech operates fairly towards communities,” he said. “We’ll support sensible rules that nurture the things that people love about technology, while curbing tech’s downsides.”
The Chamber of Progress is an industry coalition, whose corporate partners include Amazon, Facebook, Google, Twitter, Uber, Lime, Doordash, and others. However, the corporate partners do not have a seat in the coalition’s board of directors and will not be allowed to vote on policies. The coalition “will remain true to its stated principles even when its partners disagree.”
The Chamber of Progress also has a volunteer Advisory Board, that includes leaders from Democratic politics, the government, and public interest. The full list of members of the Advisory Board is available on the coalition’s website. They include Colorado State Sen. Jeff Bridges, who championed the autonomous vehicle policy in the state, and New Jersey State Sen. Troy Singleton, who advocates for the benefit programs for freelancers.
