US Vice President Kamala Harris is a potential Democratic presidential nominee for the November election. Here are her stances and actions on key business issues.
Big Tech: Harris, as a California attorney general candidate, assured potential donors of her capitalist stance. She has generally been seen as supportive of tech executives and investors, particularly in her home Bay Area. Notable instances include attending Sean Parker's wedding and accepting donations from tech figures like Reid Hoffman and John Doerr. Tech executives such as Sheryl Sandberg and Marc Benioff have also backed her.
Tech Regulation: During her tenure as California attorney general, Harris sued eBay over anticompetitive practices, resulting in a $4 million settlement. She also led efforts to curb revenge porn on social media, pressuring companies like Facebook and Google to remove explicit content.
Climate and Energy: Harris's positions on climate and energy align with President Joe Biden's. She has prioritized clean energy and environmental justice, launching lawsuits against big oil companies and advocating for offshore wind energy and renewables.
Wall Street: As California Attorney General, Harris was tough on big banks, rejecting a settlement that would have helped consumers affected by home foreclosures. Under her leadership, California launched a criminal investigation into Wells Fargo for unauthorized accounts.
Pharma: Harris has opposed healthcare industry consolidation, fearing higher consumer prices. She initiated several antitrust lawsuits against drugmakers and health insurers, securing significant settlements.
Artificial Intelligence: As vice president, Harris has expressed concerns about the existential threat of AI, urging tech executives to address its potential dangers and supporting AI regulations to protect consumers.
