As FCC Considers How To Ensure Open Internet, Americans Say New Laws Are Needed To Deal With Modern Technology, New Research Shows

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Sep 11, 2014, 02:58 ET

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 11, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) heads toward a critical decision on whether or how to regulate the Internet, a new survey shows that two thirds of Americans believe we need new laws to deal with fast-paced changes that occur in technology.

CALinnovates (PRNewsFoto/CALinnovates) (PRNewsFoto/CALinnovates)

The survey, commissioned by CALinnovates, a technology organization that serves as a bridge between the thriving and fast paced technology communities and policymakers in Sacramento and Washington, found that Americans are skeptical about government's ability to keep up with the pace of innovation and concerned about applying decades-old laws and regulations to new technology.

The survey is timed as the FCC considers whether to apply the 1934 Telecommunications Act – which hasn't been updated since the Internet was in its infancy – to a wide swath of Internet providers and potentially small start-ups.

The survey, conducted between September 3 and 4, found that:

68 percent of Americans said they don't think laws written decades ago to deal with the telephone system are capable of adequately dealing with issues regarding the Internet age and that we need new laws to deal with modern technology.
Only one in four Americans believe that government policies can keep up with the pace of innovation that we are seeing with technology, such as the Internet, smartphones, GPS services and other innovations.
Americans don't want government or business to have the say alone in deciding how the Internet operates. Just under half said that it should be a combination of consumers, business and government that decide. In fact, of those three, government received the lowest percentage (8 percent) of those who say one entity should decide, followed by business (10 percent) and consumers (23 percent).

Perhaps more importantly, Americans want the Internet to remain free and open, and oppose efforts to allow one business to pay their way to "fast lanes."

When asked whether rules should be placed to prioritizing Internet traffic – such as one company willing to pay over another – 63 percent said either Internet traffic should all be treated the same or if there is preference, it shouldn't be because one company pays to get preferential treatment.

"CALinnovates firmly agrees with Americans: the Internet must be kept free and open," said CALinnovates Executive Director Mike Montgomery. "And policymakers should also listen to Americans about the dangers of applying outdated laws to modern technology. In particular, the FCC should be wary of applying so-called Title II regulations to broadband providers and potentially start-ups themselves."

CALinnovates believes that the FCC and Congress should take a fresh look at the laws and regulations that apply to the technology industry, and ensure that they effectively address 21^st Century technology.

The goal should be clear: policies that promote and protect a free and open Internet while at the same time ensuring that start-ups don't face burdensome regulations that would put them at a disadvantage against established technology leaders.

"The litmus test should not be what Netflix wants or what Comcast wants," added Montgomery. "But what will protect the next generation of great Internet companies that will strengthen the economy, create jobs and offer services to our consumers."

In conjunction with the research, which was conducted by Zogby Analytics and surveyed over 1,000 Americans, CALinnovates released a legal analysis and economic analysis that looked at the negative impact of applying Title II regulations across Internet companies.

ABOUT CALINNOVATES

CALinnovates serves as a bridge between the thriving and fast paced technology communities based in California and the slower moving but equally important public policy communities in Sacramento and Washington, DC.

CALinnovates brings together stakeholders in the technology and startup communities with government leaders to ensure a careful and considered approach in policies impacting the dynamic high-tech sector. Positive impacts would be an environment encouraging growth, investment, competition and result in more choices and access to the benefits of new technology for people in California.
CALinnovates also works to educate the public on the latest innovations and uses of technology.

CALinnovates' members include C-level executives, political leaders, entrepreneurs, techies and the average Californian who is interested in keeping up with the latest gadgets and innovations. Learn more at www.calinnovates.org.

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SOURCE CALinnovates