Center-Left Demonstrates Robust Energy for Big Tech Regulation, Countering Social Media Perception

A recent tweet from political commentator Armand Domalewski has sparked discussion regarding the perceived lack of focus on Big Tech regulation within center-left political circles. Domalewski asserted that while "center left people 100% want Big Tech to be regulated," there appears to be insufficient "energy around it on the left," possibly due to a prioritization of "material concerns" over issues like the psychological impact of technology. This observation, made on August 14, 2025, suggests a disconnect between public desire and political action.

"this is the one area where center left people 100% want Big Tech to be regulated and there doesn’t seem to be that much energy around it on the left, perhaps because it runs counter to “people are sad because of material concerns, not Teh Phonez” stuff," Armand Domalewski stated in his tweet.

However, comprehensive policy frameworks from prominent center-left organizations indicate a significant and sustained effort toward regulating the technology sector. The Center for American Progress (CAP), a leading progressive think tank, published a detailed report in November 2021 outlining a multi-faceted approach to online services regulation. This framework addresses economic, privacy, consumer protection, and civil rights harms stemming from digital platforms.

CAP's proposals include a three-tiered regulatory model, advocating for robust oversight and rule-making powers for general online services, alongside specific provisions for "online infrastructure" and "gatekeeper" companies. Their recommendations aim to curb anti-competitive practices, insecure data handling, unfair consumer acts, and civil rights violations. This extensive work demonstrates a deep engagement with the complexities of tech regulation, far beyond a lack of "energy."

Furthermore, discussions within progressive media outlets, such as a January 2025 article in Progressive.org titled "Big Tech's Global Crusade Against Regulation," underscore ongoing attention to the issue. These efforts highlight concerns about market dominance, data exploitation, and the broader societal impact of tech giants. The focus extends beyond abstract "phone" concerns to tangible economic and social justice issues.

While Domalewski's tweet points to a potential public perception or internal debate about the framing of tech issues, the substantive policy work from the center-left suggests a strong, albeit perhaps less publicly sensationalized, commitment to comprehensive Big Tech regulation. The push for regulation encompasses a wide array of harms, aligning with both material and broader societal concerns.