Thune to Lead Hearing on Companies’ Use of Technology to Affect What Consumers See Online

Thune to Lead Hearing on Companies’ Use of Technology to Affect What Consumers See Online

“I look forward to convening this important hearing, particularly as Congress continues its work on crafting data privacy legislation.”

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, will convene a hearing titled, “Optimizing for Engagement: Understanding the Use of Persuasive Technology on Internet Platforms,” at 2:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, May 21, 2019. The hearing will examine how algorithmic decision-making and machine learning on internet platforms influences the public. Witnesses will provide insights on ways companies use technology to dictate outcomes and whether algorithm transparency or algorithm explanation are appropriate policy responses.

“This hearing is an important opportunity for members of the subcommittee to gain a better understanding about how internet platforms use persuasive technology, including algorithmic decision-making and machine learning, to affect how people consume digital content,” said Thune. “I look forward to convening this important hearing, particularly as Congress continues its work on crafting data privacy legislation.”

Witnesses:

• Mr. Dean Eckles, assistant professor of marketing, MIT Sloan School of Management
• Mr. Tristan Harris, co-founder and executive director, Center for Humane Technology
• Mr. Jason Hreha, former head of behavioral science, Walmart
• Ms. Maggie Stanphill, director, Google User Experience, Google, Inc.

*Witness list subject to change 

Hearing Details:

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

2:30 p.m. ET

Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet

Witness testimony, opening statements, and a live video of the hearing will be available on www.commerce.senate.gov.

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