2025 was a demonstration, if any were needed, of the enormous impact that governmental actions can have on retail, from the frequently postponed TikTok ban (settled, at least for now) to the tariffs that have added new complexities to supply chains, sourcing and product pricing. For this second part of our series about what lies ahead in 2026, we asked a slate of experts what they would lobby for if they had a seat at the power table for a day. Several focused on addressing the dangers of AI, algorithms and today’s “unfettered internet” as well as battling growing threats to consumers’ privacy and data rights.
Check out Part 1 of this series, the trends that are top of mind for retail leaders heading into the new year, and be on the lookout for Part 3, publishing tomorrow, which will focus on AI in retail.
Kate Hamill, VP of Enterprise Sales in North America, Pinterest
“If I had a seat at the table in D.C. for one day and could present one issue to political leaders, I’d focus how we design AI and algorithms in ways that are additive, not addictive for everyone — especially for young people. Over the last decade, social media platforms built a digital environment optimized for engagement, not for wellbeing or decision quality. Now they’re layering powerful AI on top of that system. But it doesn’t have to be this way — Pinterest is proof. We’ve tuned our AI for positivity, and in turn have seen our business grow and Gen Z come to our platform as an oasis from the toxicity online.
“If we don’t get the incentives and guardrails right, we risk furthering the very problems people are already struggling with: endless choice, low trust and a loss of personal agency over what they see, buy and even believe. What I’d ask policymakers to prioritize is clear, sound guidelines that balance safety and innovation that helps people discover what truly fits them, rather than pushing whatever keeps them scrolling. If we can shift the digital economy toward outcomes like confidence, satisfaction and long-term trust, we’ll be doing right by consumers — and unlocking more sustainable value for retailers at the same time.”
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Melissa Burdick, Co-founder and President, Pacvue
“As a mom of two teens who are glued to their phones and communication with friends is via emoji, if I had one day in D.C. I’d push for a national framework to protect young people from today’s unfettered internet — especially the content and advertising that quietly shapes their self-image, mental health and purchasing decisions.”
David Blumenfeld and Kyle Spencer, Founding Partners, NextRivet
“The unpredictable and whipsaw actions of the current administration (tariffs, policies, etc.) have made it very difficult for the industry to estimate costs, predict returns and validate potential investments. For those of us with global businesses, it’s also eroded our international credibility as industry leaders, resulting in lost business and revenues.”
Nick Drabicky, SVP and GM, Client Services, January Digital
“Right now, the regulatory landscape is fragmented. Brands are expected to innovate quickly while navigating a patchwork of state-specific data laws and emerging AI rules, which slows progress, increases compliance costs and creates confusion for consumers about how their data is actually being used. Given this, I would raise the need for national standards for AI transparency and consumer data rights. Retailers and especially consumers should not need a law degree to understand how data is being used.”
Mike Babbitt, Head of Trade and Supply Chain Finance Origination, Synovus
“Healthcare and insurance affordability. The healthcare industry needs to fundamentally change to keep it affordable. With boomers aging, Affordable Care Act subsidies expiring and no real viable option to fix the system, I think it is the next looming crisis.”
