For Immediate Release:
February 22, 2007
Contact:
David McGuire
(202) 637-9800 x106
WASHINGTON -- The 110th Congress has an opportunity to adopt an approach to Internet-related policymaking that protects fundamental civil liberties, reestablishes meaningful privacy protections and paves the way for the United States' continued leadership in technological innovation. The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) today offered its recommendations for lawmakers as they move to address these challenging issues.
In the coming months, Congress will be faced with decisions -- on issues ranging from surveillance, to online censorship, to consumer privacy -- that will have a lasting impact on the Internet. CDT's legislative agenda includes a series of guiding principles for Internet policy as well as granular issue-by-issue recommendations on specific bills and legislative proposals.
The recommendations are available online at http://www.cdt.org/legislation/110th/2007agenda.php.
"The Internet did not evolve to become the powerful engine for democracy, communication and commerce that we now take for granted in a vacuum. The flexible, lightweight policy framework that facilitated its expansion has come under strain in recent years as lawmakers have sought to exert greater control over Internet content and design," CDT Executive Director Leslie Harris said. "This Congress has the opportunity to reestablish a balanced, cohesive approach to Internet policymaking that will help to ensure its continued growth."
Added CDT Policy Director Jim Dempsey, "Some policymakers seem to have forgotten what makes the Internet special. Proposals to stem the flow of objectionable content, protect intellectual property and prevent crime online -- all important goals -- often overlook the Internet's history and the nature of its architecture. We're trying to remind lawmakers of the policy choices that made the Internet successful, so they do not abandon those policies."
CDT will be distributing the document -- which includes specific guidance on legislation pertaining to free expression, consumer privacy, Internet neutrality, digital copyright, national security, identity and digital democracy -- to key members and committees.
About CDT: The Center for Democracy and Technology works to promote democratic values and constitutional liberties in the digital age. With expertise in law, technology, and policy, CDT seeks practical solutions to enhance free expression and privacy in global communications technologies. CDT is dedicated to building consensus among all parties interested in the future of the Internet and other new communications media.