Economists have long recognized that technological innovation and enhanced communication increase productivity and reduce friction in economic activity. And never before has technology’s impact on economic growth been as evident as it is today.
At IPI, we focus on technology and communications policy not only because it’s critical to economic growth, but also because government’s inherent tendency to regulate prospectively poses an active threat to the economic gains and lifestyle enhancements made possible by technological innovation.
The communications and technology industries are among the country’s most competitive and the biggest capital investors in the U.S. economy, and are thus prime engines of economic growth and job creation. It is critical that public policy encourages continued innovation and investment in the tech sector, and that we don’t limit the innovation upside with counterproductive taxes and regulations.
Giovanetti Applauds Apple's Tim Cook For Stance on Privacy
In a statement today concerning Apple Inc.’s opposition to giving the FBI a backdoor to the iPhone, Institute for Policy Innovation (IPI) president Tom Giovanetti applauded CEO Tim Cook for his stance on protecting consumers’ privacy.
Internet Tax Freedom Forever Act Passes Congress
Congress has voted to permanently bar state and local governments from taxing access to the Internet. For 17 years, the ban on Internet taxes has benefited millions of Americans by empowering them to conduct transactions on the Internet free from the fear of additional tax burdens. "This is a tremendous victory for America's Internet economy, and for all of us who participate in this economy", said Institute for Policy Innovation president Tom Giovanetti.
Senate Passes Customs Bill With PITFA Intact
Passage of PITFA as part of HR-644 now "intensifies" S-698 opponents' push to "stave off the attempt" to pass that bill, said IPI president Tom Giovanetti in a statement. S-698 "has never had committee scrutiny on the Senate side and [has] never been subject to amendment on the floor." Senate Republican leaders "must commit to first submitting this legislation to the same procedures, hearings and scrutiny appropriate to any and all legislation, especially since this proposal has serious Constitutional questions," Giovanetti said.
PITFA Tremendous Victory for U.S. Internet Economy
The Institute for Policy Innovation (IPI) commends the U.S. Senate for passing the Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act (PITFA). "This is a tremendous victory for America’s Internet economy, and for all of us who participate in this economy," said IPI president Tom Giovanetti.
Washington Must Act On Freeing Wireless Spectrum
Washington must ensure that spectrum is being freed-up and made available for use on a regular basis in order to keep the critical wireless economy going and growing. But we’re reaching the point where the largest, most inefficient holder of spectrum is in fact the federal government.
Tax Succor or Sucker Punch
For years, big-government pro-taxers have often deployed parliamentary tricks to thwart the vote on a permanent Internet tax fix. This time, however, there may be nowhere to hide.
Just in Time for Christmas! It's Text Spam
When a company is seeking to use government regulation to pad its own bottom line the government should reject the proposal.
Support Permanent Internet Tax Freedom
Since 1998, the federal government has prohibited states and localities from imposing such taxes. This has helped Americans from all backgrounds gain access to the Internet. The economic and educational benefits of this policy are vast and immeasurable. It is long past time for Congress to make permanent the ban on Internet access taxes.
Coalition Letter in Support of Permanent Internet Tax Freedom
Since 1998, the federal government has prohibited states and localities from imposing such taxes. This has helped Americans from all backgrounds gain access to the Internet. The economic and educational benefits of this policy are vast and immeasurable. It is long past time for Congress to make permanent the ban on Internet access taxes.
Patent Trolls: Fraudsters Make Easy Money Due To American Law
The need for patent reform is not a new issue, but a recent ruling provides a perfect example of all that is wrong with our current system.