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.
Supreme Court Should Address Concerns about Federalism in New York's Affiliate Nexus Law, says American Legislative Exchange Council
The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) today urged the U.S. Supreme Court to hear a case that will help determine whether there are, in fact, constitutional protections from the ability of states to impose tax burdens on other states. Task Force Co-Chairman Bartlett Cleland of the Institute for Policy Innovation said, "The threat to the commercial Internet and to our constitutional rights from extraterritorial assertions of power by the government cannot be overstated. The Supreme Court needs to hear this case immediately to reaffirm the physical presence rule to protect our rights and to ensure the Internet continues to grow and improve human welfare."
NSA Mass Surveillance Harming the Free Flow of Data
Congress must rein in the NSA’s mass surveillance program not only to protect the privacy and freedom of American citizens, but to maintain America’s moral and economic leadership in the global digital economy.
Make It Permanent
Congress can make permanent the ban on Internet access and multiple or discriminatory taxes online, or allow the pro-tax thugs the chance to loot our digital future.
Losing Our Liberties Through the Backdoor
The NSA has done virtually everything that Congress thought it stopped. In the course of doing so, the NSA has weakened security for all of us.
Coalition Letter Regarding Permanent Internet Tax Freedom
IPI joins with other members of the Internet Tax Freedom Act Coalition applauding House members for their introduction of legislation to permanently extend the moratorium on taxation of internet access.
In the Name of Safety They Rob Us of Our Liberties
Safety and security are important, but our constitutionally protected liberties and freedoms are even more important. The government should be able to protect both, but all indications are that it isn't.
Let's Play: Who's the Constitutionalist?
Of all constituencies, the Tea Party should instinctively understand what’s wrong with the Marketplace Fairness Act
Gale Force Opposition to Progress
Insisting that Fire Island’s storm-damaged copper network be replaced with the same old outdated technology is a step backward rather than forward.
Let's Play: Who's the Constitutionalist?
Of all constituencies, the Tea Party should instinctively understand what’s wrong with the Marketplace Fairness Act
New Ground: ALEC Conference Moves Forward on CDA, Considers Health IT, Data Privacy
ALEC wants to provide ideas of how legislators can act next, said task force private-sector Chairman Bartlett Cleland, IPI policy counsel. "It is critically important for the future of healthcare that state legislators start understanding what they can do and start to act, so we can drive down healthcare costs and get healthcare to more people."