On March 4, 2022 The Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce wrote to Senator Padilla to express their opposition to S2992.
"We believe that S. 2992 would prevent tech platforms from offering popular services that most people receive for free today. For consumers, they would also limit the platforms’ ability to provide information, tools, and critical services (like Find my iPhone and Google Maps) and communication tools (like Gmail, FaceTime, and WhatsApp, which people have relied on throughout the pandemic especially) within their services. By prohibiting platforms from preferencing their own products and services, the harm to small businesses would be great. Large platforms like Google often use their online search tools to help consumers find local businesses, but they would be prevented from displaying Google Maps or local business reviews in Google search results because it could be seen as “discriminating” against rival services like Yelp. During the pandemic, our neighbors went out of their way to support their local businesses, but this bill could make it harder for local customers and out-of-towners to easily find information about local businesses through search.
Please continue to support the small business economy and do all that you can to prevent us from facing new burdens. We hope that you will keep speaking out that you will oppose S. 2992 when it comes to the Senate floor for a vote. Thank you for all that you have done and are doing to help Californians survive and recover at this particularly challenging time."
To read more, see attached letter.
Advocating FOR Business,
Acting CEO, Bari Smith
IVRCC Government Affairs Committee
Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce Board