Digital Economy

The digital economy—the economic activity generated through digital platforms, e-commerce, online content creation, and digital infrastructure—has become a cornerstone of American prosperity. As of 2025, the digital economy reached $4.9 trillion, representing 18% of U.S. GDP, and supports 28.4 million jobs across all 435 congressional districts. Growth in digital economy jobs outpaces the overall labor market by 12 times, making it a powerful engine for employment and economic opportunity nationwide.

The Digital Workforce

The digital economy encompasses diverse workers and businesses. Platform workers using services like Airbnb work alongside over 1.5 million full-time digital creators and social media influencers—a segment that has grown nearly eightfold since 2020. Online merchants build businesses through e-commerce, and integrated digital firms like Amazon and Meta operate across infrastructure and consumer tools. These four sectors drive nearly 70% of all digital job growth, democratizing economic opportunity for independent entrepreneurs and large enterprises alike.

Government Oversight and Regulation

As the digital economy expands, government plays a critical role in maintaining fair competition, protecting consumers, and ensuring compliance. The Commerce Department tracks America’s digital economy to measure its impact on GDP and employment. Regulators also work to address emerging challenges—from protecting consumers against counterfeit goods sold through digital channels to ongoing debates about how emerging platforms should be regulated. These evolving policy questions reflect the ongoing balance between supporting innovation and protecting consumers.

Digital Infrastructure and Logistics

Critical infrastructure supports the digital economy’s growth. Cloud computing initiatives, like those in the Pentagon’s evolving cloud strategy, demonstrate government investments in digital infrastructure that bolster economic and national security capabilities. Meanwhile, logistics networks such as USPS tracking systems facilitate the delivery of goods sold online, with specific regulations impacting shipments including restrictions on shipping alcohol via USPS—highlighting the complex regulatory environment digital economy participants navigate.