Experts Address Regulatory Overreach in Global Digital Policy During TPA Webinar

Experts Address Regulatory Overreach in Global Digital Policy

On September 22, 2025, experts from the United States, Canada, and Europe convened for a virtual webinar hosted by the Taxpayers Protection Alliance (TPA). The session, titled "The Global Grip on Digital Freedom," primarily focused on the concerning trend of increasing digital regulations worldwide, including notable laws such as the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA) and Canada’s Digital Services Tax.

Heavy-Handed Regulations and Their Impact

As the world becomes increasingly digital, the regulatory environment has shaped much of the industry landscape. James Czerniawski from the Consumer Choice Center was vocal in his criticism of the EU's regulatory approach, which he claimed is targeting American companies disproportionately. He remarked, "Europe doesn't really have much of a tech sector," arguing that the stringent measures aimed at tech giants like Apple only serve to stifle innovation. For instance, Czerniawski cited the delayed release of Apple's AirPods in Europe, attributing this setback to the burdens placed by EU regulations.

Canada's regulatory landscape does not escape scrutiny, as Renaud Brossard, Vice President at the Montreal Economic Institute, highlighted similar patterns. He noted that many legislators in Canada tend to adopt European models without considering the unique implications for the Canadian market. Brossard raised concerns about Canada’s proposed 3% Digital Services Tax, cautioning that companies like Google could easily shift these costs onto consumers. He remarked, "It is exactly what happened to us," referencing past instances where costs increased due to regulatory impositions.

Furthermore, Brossard criticized the Online News Act, which has led to the absence of news across platforms like Facebook. He termed the controversial Bill C-11 an attempt to force existing technology into outdated regulatory frameworks, questioning who truly advocates for such regulatory changes: "Not innovators, but instead, the incumbents."

The Small Developer Perspective

Addressing the impacts of the DMA on small developers, Graham Dufault from ACT | The App Association warned that mandates stipulating which apps should be carried impede the primary purpose of app stores. He lamented that smaller developers rely on platforms such as Apple's App Store for cost management and market access.

Mike Salem, representing the Consumer Choice Center in the UK, added to these discussions by pointing out that the pace of technological advancement often outstrips regulatory initiatives. He argued, "Once you decide to regulate, we’ve already moved on," suggesting that self-regulatory frameworks might be more effective, as illustrated by the implementation of parental controls by Meta, which addresses consumer needs without extensive mandatory regulations.

Navigating Global Regulatory Tensions

David McGarry, Research Director at TPA, emphasized the need for regulators to appreciate the unique development of digital markets. He noted the tension between local regulations and the nature of globalized networks, urging a reconsideration of policies that regulate rather than foster innovation.

The panel was united in their call for regulatory frameworks that support entrepreneurship and protect consumer interests without replicating the heavy-handed strategies observed in Europe. Avoidance of restrictive models was a common sentiment, with panelists advocating for a more adaptive and innovation-friendly regulatory environment.

For those interested in the full discussions and insights shared during this enlightening webinar, a recording is available for viewing. The event underscored the pressing need for nuanced regulatory approaches that can adapt to the fast-evolving digital landscape while still fostering innovation and protecting consumer freedom.