WASHINGTON, May 23, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Internet for Growth, the nationwide small
business coalition supporting digital advertising, is
warning Congress that anti-advertising provisions in the American
Privacy Rights Act (APRA), scheduled for review at a House Energy
and Commerce hearing today, could harm economic growth and jobs
across the country.
This legislation threatens the ability of
Americans to start and grow businesses with data-driven digital
advertising.
"The proposed legislation includes specific language that
threatens the ability of Americans to start and grow businesses
through data-driven digital advertising. Although intended to
protect consumers, the sweeping restrictions could inadvertently
raise consumer costs at a time when many are still grappling with
inflation," writes Brendan Thomas,
Executive Director of Internet for Growth, in a letter to House
Energy and Commerce Committee members overseeing the bill.
"The proliferation of affordable, accessible advertising options
is vital for the growth of America's small businesses across
various media platforms. The unintended consequences of APRA could
negatively impact the livelihoods of our members and stifle U.S.
innovation, jobs, and economic growth."
Internet for Growth members visited Washington, D.C. during National Small
Business Week this month to share their success stories, thanks to
low-cost digital advertising, with House and Senate offices. Small
businesses and online creators also shared their concerns about
policies that could eliminate ordinary data and advertising
practices that help them save time and money and reach potential
customers with relevant information.
Studies show small businesses unable to afford traditional
advertising rely on online advertising, and consumers appreciate
data-dependent, personalized marketing and media. Internet
for Growth includes small online publishers and developers earning
income with advertising revenue.
APRA would "undermine the speed and convenience that people
value most about the internet," writes Thomas. "It targets
personalized advertising—the most valuable and cost-effective
form—potentially restricting companies from promoting products to
their own customers."
"In addition to small businesses, a wide array of non-profits,
charities, and advocacy groups rely on digital advertising to raise
awareness and engage supporters. Digital advertising is essential
for candidates and causes to connect with voters... We urge the
House Energy and Commerce Committee to carefully consider the
benefits of data-driven digital advertising, marketing, and media
to our economy, culture, and society."
Internet for Growth has organized nearly 100 meetings and events
with members of Congress to familiarize policymakers with
accessible, affordable, easy-to-use digital advertising tools on an
increasing number of media and marketing platforms. The
organization supports a national data privacy law to overcome a
patchwork of state laws and reduce costs for small businesses and
their customers.
Internet for Growth, an initiative of the Interactive
Advertising Bureau (IAB), promotes the crucial role digital
advertising plays in the success of America's small businesses,
helping entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life. With the support
of over 700 IAB members including marketers, agencies, publishers,
and technology providers, as well as hundreds of small businesses
and creators, we highlight the benefits of digital advertising to
local economies, expanding opportunities for people of all
backgrounds. Our work ensures policymakers in Washington understand the limitless
opportunity the ad-supported internet provides for creativity,
commerce, fair competition, and community.
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SOURCE Internet for Growth