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.
ALEC Comments to House Subcommittee Concerning Update to Federal Communications Act
Comments by Rep. Thoreson and Bartlett Cleland submitted to the U.S. House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology concerning an update to the federal Communications Act. The comments are taken from ALEC’s Six Principles for Communications and Technology, adopted by the Task Force and Board in 2013.
The Siren Song of Efficiency in Music Licensing, Part 2
There’s no need to erode copyright protections to facilitate innovation in the music marketplace. The market is providing a variety of music choices for consumers and business model choices for artists.
The Silver Lining in the Net Neutrality Decision
FCC Chairman Wheeler says the FCC will take action only “if something appears to go wrong in a material, not a trivial, way. . . .“ That would be a good policy for all regulators, not just for the FCC.
Toll-Free Data Is a Good Thing
Toll-free data will be as good for consumers as was toll-free voice.
Wearing the Need for Tax Reform on Your Sleeve
Taxable events are on the move but archaic tax codes remain moribund.
As Technology Advances, We Need to Choose: Liberty or Big Brother
Although technology is merely a tool that can be used for either good or evil, in the wake of the NSA's invasion into our private lives, the time is now when society must decide if it wants expanded freedom or expansive government control.
Shaking the Foundation
We live in a time of unparalleled advances in technology, but technology is merely a tool that can be used for good or evil, to empower the state or empower the people. We must decide as a society what we want—expanded individual opportunity or expansive government control.
What's Wrong With the Wi-Fi?
Spectrum policy should be about facilitating innovation, not simply about maximizing revenue, which means providing for sufficient unlicensed as well as licensed spectrum.
Taxpayers Foot The Bill For Study Supporting New Internet Sales Taxes
In addition to the new paper, the SBA Office of Advocacy has begun a social media campaign to promote both the paper and Internet sales taxes. IPI even found a list of suggested Twitter tweets that the Office of Advocacy wrote for supporters to use to promote the flawed report.
Abbott's Privacy Rights Proposals Draw Attention
Attorney General Greg Abbott is pushing for more stringent privacy laws, looking to give Texans more control over personal information like DNA details. IPI's Bartlett Cleland said Abbott's proposals would help reduce the government’s power over personal information but disagreed with the method, saying an opt-in system would be the better option.
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