Tech Regulation in 2026: Crypto, AI, and a Transatlantic Fight

According to PYMNTS.com, 2025 saw major regulatory shifts on crypto, AI, and data protection, setting the stage for a consequential 2026. The U.S. House passed the Clarity Act for crypto in July, but a Senate companion bill is stalled. A December study by Consumer Reports found 74% of items in an Instacart basket had different prices for different shoppers, leading to an average 7% price difference, or about $1,200 per year. In November, the EU proposed an omnibus bill to simplify its digital rulebook, while the U.S. threatened the EU with new fees and trade barriers in December over enforcement actions against American tech firms. Global online prediction markets hit $28 billion in trading volume in 2025, sparking state-level crackdowns.

Crypto’s Congressional Limbo

So the House did its part, but the Senate is, predictably, where things go to die. The House passing the Clarity Act was a big deal, but the fact that the companion bill is bogged down in the Senate is the oldest story in Washington. Republican chairs want a vote early next year, but even if that happens, they’d still have to reconcile with the House version. And in an election year? Good luck. The partisan differences aren’t just about crypto—they’re about who gets to shape the financial future. I think the most likely outcome here is more delay. The industry wants certainty, but Congress excels at providing the opposite.

The AI Regulation Battlefield

Here’s the thing: the fight between states and the feds on AI is a complete mess. Trump’s executive order tries to wipe out state laws, but states like New York and California aren’t backing down. They’ve moved fast because Washington hasn’t. Now all eyes are on Congress for 2026 to finally create a federal framework. But can they? Crafting “comprehensive federal AI rules” is a monumental task. Do you even define AI first? The pressure is mounting, but so is the complexity. This feels like an area where the conflict itself—the uncertainty—becomes the biggest regulator, chilling investment and development until the dust settles.

Algorithmic Pricing: The Stealth Tax?

That Consumer Reports finding is wild, right? A 7% difference just based on who you are? It’s personalized pricing gone mainstream, and it’s exploding. States are scrambling to ban it, calling it unfair or even price-fixing. But under federal law, it’s a grey area. This is a perfect storm: privacy concerns, antitrust questions, and plain old consumer anger. Congress hasn’t acted, but if those yearly cost differences keep getting publicity, how can they ignore it? This isn’t just about a few bucks on Instacart. It’s about algorithms deciding what you pay for your rent, your loan, your insurance. The fairness debate is about to get very loud.

Transatlantic Tech War Escalates

This is the sleeper story with the biggest global impact. The EU, realizing its rules might be too rigid, is trying to simplify. But at the exact same time, the U.S. is threatening a trade war over those very rules. The Trump administration’s threats of fees and barriers are a blunt instrument. And pausing the U.K. trade deal over digital rules? That’s a serious shot across the bow. The immediate conflict is over enforcement, but the long-term play is clear: Europe’s push for its own AI stack to break U.S. dominance. If they gain any real traction, it could actually start to dent the valuations of U.S. AI giants. That’s a real economic threat, not just a regulatory spat.