In this essay, we first outline two existing forms of experimentation: policy experiments and regulatory sandboxes. We describe their potential benefits, as well as their potential weaknesses. We then describe our new hybrid model: the PPT model.
Finally, we examine how this type of experimentation might work in practice. For this theory to become reality, state and federal lawmakers must develop specific proposals for implementing it. To that end, we provide a more detailed description of potential experimental approaches to public policy in three areas: two regulatory sandboxes in content moderation (one on online violence and one on user choice), a policy experiment in age verification, and a PPT experiment in generative artificial intelligence.
In addition, in an article on Lawfare, we provide a complete draft model bill for each program. Our hope is by providing a menu of experimentation options, it will be easier for curious lawmakers to make this model a reality.