5 Questions with Michael Petricone, SVP of Government Affairs, Consumer Technology Association

Michael Petricone is my “partner in crime,” colleague, friend, and confidant. I’ve had the opportunity to work for him and with him at the Consumer Technology Association . I don’t know a more optimistic or passionate believer in the power of technology to transform lives.

Michael has been at the forefront and happily “the man in the arena” of every consequential tech policy fight over the last twenty years. I’ve learned much from his intellect, approach, and perspective.

This year, as the Consumer Technology Association commemorates its centennial during CTA Tech Week (April 15-17), we will not only celebrate the organization's enduring history of policy advocacy but also reflect on our journey beginning as the Radio Manufacturers Association. Events such as the CTA Digital Patriots Dinner and CES on the Hill will offer moments to honor this legacy.

I had an opportunity to ask Michael to reflect on his North Star when it comes to technology policy, some of the most consequential tech policy battles, how policymakers should approach legislating technology, and why embracing technology and its power for positive change is so important for our future.

You’ve had a front row seat in advancing technology policy for more than two decades at the Consumer Technology Association . With rapidly evolving technologies and shifting political landscapes, what has served as your North Star —a guiding principle or enduring belief—that has informed your approach to tech policy??

Good question! My North Star is that innovation drives all human progress. Walking the floors of CES , you see technology addressing every urgent social need: increasing food production, reducing climate change, expanding access to health care, and more. America’s global primacy since WWII rests almost entirely on our leadership in technology. More, tech issues are bipartisan. Republican or Democrat, everyone wants more high-wage jobs in their district, more innovation for their constituents, and a stronger and more internationally competitive America.

Looking back, what particular policy battles stand as significant learning moments for you, and what did it teach you about navigating the complexities of tech policy? What can it teach us as we approach today’s policy battles on artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, quantum computing, and other emerging tech??

One impactful battle was the 2012 successful fight against the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the PROTECT IP Act (PIPA). Coming in the early days of the commercial internet, these bills would have severely constrained online freedom of speech, websites, and Internet communities. In the end, despite strong support from legacy industries, the bills were defeated due to overwhelming pushback by Internet users themselves. The lesson was that Americans are very passionate about their technology - and that policymakers should tread carefully around services that consumers love.

Despite the headwinds, what makes you optimistic about the future of technology and its ability to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems? Can you share your favorite examples of how tech continues to make significant positive impacts?

One amazing example is how technology kept us going during the COVID pandemic. Unable to leave our houses, we could still work, stay in touch with loved ones, entertain ourselves, attend school, consult with our doctors, and have groceries delivered to our front door. Meanwhile, thanks to internet-enabled technology, our economy kept moving forward. Imagine if we had faced that exact same situation twenty or even ten years ago? Our world would have shuddered to a halt.

Public opinion often swings between optimism and skepticism toward new technologies. How do you suggest policymakers address these concerns while still promoting innovation?

Regular Americans generally love new technology, it’s the inside-the-beltway views that can be problematic. I’ve seen many cycles of so-called “moral panics” centered around technology: Video games would harm children (games are now considered a respected art form), the DVR would be the death of TV (we are now in the golden age of television), the Internet would destroy the music industry (the music industry adapted and is seeing record profits). The original moral panic was over the Sony Betamax and home recording, which the movie industry likened to “Jack the Ripper” but ended up creating a pre-recorded media market that made Hollywood billions. So, history shows that policymakers should be skeptical about histrionic claims of harm from new technologies, including AI.

At the same time, transparent, actual harm-focused regulation can be important to guard against the downsides of new technologies. That’s why Congress should pass a national privacy law. More, smart regulatory frameworks around AI, digital assets, and autonomous vehicles would promote investment by bringing clarity to users and innovators.

What key resources (e.g., books, articles, or journals) would you recommend for policymakers aiming to stay informed and make impactful decisions on technology policy? Are there specific pieces that have profoundly influenced your views?

The TechDirt blog by Mike Masnick is a daily must-read. Think tank writers like Jennifer Huddleston , Neil Chilson , Adam Thierer , Alexandra Reeve Givens , Kate Tummarello , and Dr. Nicol Turner Lee have smart takes on tech policy issues. From a venture capitalist perspective, Marc Andreessen has very compelling views on the importance of innovation.

Bonus Question: What is your favorite tech product?

Right now, my “Bird Buddy” AI-enabled bird feeder. When a bird arrives, it automatically sends you a picture and tells you what kind. Great application of AI - no wonder they won an “Innovation Award” at CES !

Quick Hits

ChatGPT/Generative AI? Of course! I use it to edit my writing and make sure my nouns and verbs agree. It’s invaluable. As my dad says, “When I was a kid I had a tool called a thesaurus to make me a better writer.” This is just the new iteration.

Corporate leader you admire most? Mark Cuban . He has built several successful tech companies, is a strong and thoughtful voice on important issues, and always seems to be having a great deal of fun.

Best career advice you've ever received? Take the time to build relationships. Get to know the people, not just the position.

Most impactful books you've read? “The Warmth of Other Suns” by Isabel Wilkerson and “American Nations” by Colin Woodward. Both books you finish and say, “Ah- now I know why the world looks this way.”