A healthy free market depends on trust. Utahns should be able to make informed decisions, understand what they are paying for, and have confidence that businesses are competing fairly. Strong protections against fraud, deception, and abusive practices are not at odds with competition, innovation, or consumer choice.

That balance is increasingly important online. Artificial intelligence and social media have their benefits, but they can also expose consumers—and particularly youth—to harmful content and manipulative practices. Utah is one of the youngest states in the country, and parents deserve meaningful tools to understand and control how technology companies interact with their kids.

As a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, I have made online safety and accountability a key priority. I introduced the bipartisan Algorithm Accountability Act to establish a duty of care for the recommendation algorithms that increasingly determine what Americans see online and give consumers greater recourse when platforms knowingly amplify harmful and radicalizing content. I am also proud to have worked on legislation to establish commonsense safeguards for minors interacting with AI and increase transparency, protect children from dangerous content, and give parents a greater role in their children’s interactions with AI.

Federal consumer protections should not only protect consumers and children, but states’ rights. The rapid expansion of prediction markets and online gambling is a prime example. These platforms are increasingly offering contracts tied not just to professional sporting events, but any uncertain outcome including military operations, political speeches, and youth sports.  These contracts post signifcant problems around insider trading, addiction, and professional integrity. I have supported efforts to draw a clearer line between legitimate financial markets and gambling products, including legislation to prohibit sports and casino-style event contracts on prediction markets.

Overall, my approach is to hold companies accountable for the products and systems they design while preserving free expression, competition, and Americans’ ability to innovate. We can lead the world in innovation without losing sight of our responsibility to protect consumers and give parents the tools they need to keep their children safe.