Harris will be the VP on the Democratic ticket, prompting scrutiny on her track record and political leanings. Where does she stand on the tech industry?
What Happened:
Joe Biden has selected Kamala Harris as his running mate, and the two began their campaign together on August 12th in Delaware.
Harris, who is a sitting senator representing California, grew up in the Bay Area and has strong political ties to the region. Prior to her election to the senate, she served as California’s attorney general and San Francisco’s district attorney.
It’s still unclear at this stage which way Harris will lean on big tech given her connections in Silicon Valley vs. her history as a prosecutor.
Let’s take a more in-depth look at Harris’s allegiances and challenges to the tech industry.
Pros:
- Harris did not join rival candidates, Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, in a call to break up Facebook, Amazon, and other major tech companies.
- In her bid for 2014 reelection as California attorney general, Harris held fundraisers with big tech CEOs and leaders.
- Cynthia Hogan, an Apple executive, was a member of Biden’s VP selection committee that chose Harris.
Cons:
- Harris has called for better regulation to protect consumer privacy.
- Harris has championed policy against revenge porn and sexual harassment in connection with online platforms.
- Amid the growth of Uber and the gig economy, Harris backed legislation increasing wages and benefits for ride-share drivers.
The Bottom Line:
When it comes to the tech industry, Harris appears to be primarily concerned about consumer protection, privacy, and labor practices. The outpouring of support from tech companies is also indicative of what they expect from Harris, and they’re putting their money and support behind her this election.