The Protect U.S. Companies from Foreign Taxation Act would safeguard American firms from discriminatory measures that effectively penalize innovation and success.

In targeting the curated online marketplaces (COMs) that have directly fueled the extraordinary growth of the small business developer community, DMA-style rules are undermining the very competitive dynamism they seek to encourage.

American small & mid-sized tech companies need protection from a growing wave of overreaching ex-ante regulatory regimes like the EU's Digital Markets Act.

ACT has long kept our members and SMEs informed of standards development updates, and now through this new partnership, we will formally bring SME concerns and input to ETSI proceedings and work.

Standards enable SMEs to develop incredible new technology and compete with the largest companies across the globe. But SMEs don't have the ability to dedicate resources or time to individually participate in the standards development process.

"This agreement represents a renewed commitment to prioritize eliminating non-tariff barriers, including in the context of regulating online platforms, which countless small businesses rely on to reach a global market, grow, & create jobs.”

“Discriminatory online platform regs threaten to limit competition, reduce consumer choice, & stifle innovation."

- Commitments by Korea to provide additional procedural fairness provisions in competition proceedings, including the recognition of attorney-client privilege.

- Broader commitments to address non-tariff barriers across sectors, including competition policy and intellectual property.

- A pledge to “facilitate cross-border transfer of data,” including personal data, and to support a permanent moratorium on customs duties for electronic transmissions at the World Trade Organization (WTO).

The details released of the new U.S.–Korea trade agreement reflects progress on these commitments, including:

- An assurance that U.S. companies “are not discriminated against & do not face unnecessary barriers” related to digital services, including network usage fees & online platform regs

· Consistently adhering to non-discriminatory treatment & good regulatory practices in the regulation of nascent & emerging technologies and industries, including ex post remedies based on demonstrated and systemic harms, transparency, open consultation, & sufficient timelines for implementation.

· Providing adequate and effective protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights, including by prohibiting the disclosure of proprietary source code and algorithms as a condition of market entry or conducting business; and

· Prohibiting restrictions on the cross-border flow of data and forced localization of computing facilities;

· Relying on globally-accepted international technical standards for the satisfaction of domestic regulatory requirements;

To best support startup & small business growth and success, APEC leaders should come together to create strong commitments to the following:

· Establishing a moratorium on tariffs and customs formalities on electronic transmissions, including content;

"We call on APEC leaders to reinforce a modern & comprehensive digital economy framework that puts APEC at the forefront of the fourth industrial revolution.” -
Morgan Reed

“The gathering of APEC leaders in Gyeongju is an unprecedented opportunity to reinforce a framework that truly empowers startups & small businesses, & creates prosperity across each of APEC’s 21 member economies."

"We hope to see this momentum continue as the formal trade agreements are finalized and implemented so they empower small business digital economy growth and job creation" - Morgan Reed, president of @actonline.bsky.social