America’s Small Businesses Depend On Digital Advertising

Small businesses rely on digital advertising to reach customers efficiently, compete with larger companies, and participate fully in today’s economy. Data-driven advertising helps entrepreneurs connect people with products and services they value while supporting free and low-cost online content. As policymakers consider proposals affecting the digital economy, balanced approaches can protect consumers while preserving the tools small businesses depend on to grow and succeed.

Support a Clear, National Privacy Standard

Congress should enact a strong national privacy framework that protects consumers while providing clarity for small businesses operating across state lines. A federal standard that replaces a patchwork of differing state requirements will reduce compliance burdens, improve transparency, and help ensure small businesses can continue using responsible digital advertising tools to reach customers. A workable national framework should provide clear expectations without creating unnecessary litigation risk for smaller firms.

Promote Responsible Data-Driven Advertising

Responsible digital advertising helps people discover local businesses, supports publishers and creators, and keeps much of the internet accessible at low or no cost. Policymakers should build on existing safeguards and transparency tools rather than adopting approaches that unintentionally limit the availability of relevant advertising or reduce access to free content. Policies should reflect how data-driven advertising supports innovation, competition, and consumer choice across the online ecosystem.

Preserve Integrated Advertising Tools that Support Competition

Integrated advertising platforms help small businesses manage campaigns efficiently, measure results, and reach customers across multiple channels. Policymakers should ensure proposals affecting digital advertising markets—including competition legislation—continue to support interoperability, efficiency, and access to affordable tools that enable entrepreneurs and creators to grow their audiences and businesses.

Avoid New Taxes on Digital Advertising that Raise Costs for Local Businesses

State-level taxes on digital advertising risk increasing costs for small businesses, complicating compliance, and reducing investment in local economies and journalism. Policymakers should pursue tax approaches that support innovation and economic growth rather than placing new burdens on the digital tools small businesses rely on to compete.

Encourage the Use of AI Tools that Expand Opportunity for Small Businesses

Artificial intelligence is helping small businesses improve marketing performance, reach new audiences, and operate more efficiently. Thoughtful policies can support responsible AI adoption while ensuring entrepreneurs across the country benefit from tools that save time, reduce costs, and expand access to new markets.