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.
Commissioner Pai on the Right (Speed) Track
New FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai is on the right track calling for the FCC to speed up its reviews in order to reduce uncertainty and other hindrances to innovation. Ultimately, the FCC should adopt forbearance as its default position, stepping in to regulate only in cases of demonstrable harm.
Court Records Show Comcast Sought Stay of FCC Tennis Channel Carriage Order
IPI's Bartlett Cleland opposed the FCC order granting Tennis Channel's program carriage complaint against Comcast, calling the 3-2 ruling a "further erosion by the FCC of the freedom to contract, and hence property rights protection."
Taking a Multi-Country Stand Against a U.N. Takeover of the Internet
A couple weeks ago Mr. Rubio, along with Senator McCaskill and a bi-partisan group of co-sponsoring senators, introduced a resolution that if approved would demonstrate the U.S. government's commitment to Internet freedom by opposing the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and some countries' efforts to impose international regulations dictating how the Internet is to be operated.
State Tax Grab at Online Retailers is False Federalism
In an attempt to grab more tax revenue, states are on a course to levy and collect sales tax—the same tax on the same transaction multiple times, and today’s hearing of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will examine the rule established by Supreme Court precedent prohibiting states from collecting sales taxes from digital retailers without a physical presence in their state.
Thank You, Sir, May I Have Another?
The states are looking for more revenue, and digital goods and services are at the top of their lists.
Capitol Hill
Sens. Dick Durbin and Mike Enzi are "pro-taxers" who are "trying to avoid a debate on the merits" of an e-commerce sales tax bill by adding it as an amendment to the Small Business Jobs and Tax Relief Act, the Institute for Policy Innovation said Wednesday to Communications Daily.
Preventing Another Tax Disaster
It’s time for the federal government to step up and protect consumers from the threat of unfair, duplicative taxes on their digital purchases.
A Tale of Two Islands
Even in the most remote areas of the country service providers are already providing Internet access, even while searching for ways to provide even faster access.
Health apps under the microscope
Mobile apps, with their extraordinary reach, have the power to transform health care. IPI's Merrill Matthews is cited by reporter Dina ElBoghdady in the Washington Post and Chicago Tribune on the classic showdown occuring between
The Supreme Court's Decision Won't Affect the Real Health Care Revolution
Real health care reform is happening, not in Congress or the Supreme Court, but in the eHealth explosion.
Total Records: 501
