CFIF Warns Congress Against Calls for ‘Net Neutrality’ Legislation

The Center for Individual Freedom (CFIF) today called on Congress to reject any temptation to impose regulations on the Internet, and reminded legislators that its growth and success as a tool for expanded commerce and the free flow of ideas can be attributed in large part to their resistance thus far to erect government mandated roadblocks.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 18, 2006

Contact: Jeffrey Mazzella

703.535.5836

Congress Must Not Steer Regulation of the Internet

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The Center for Individual Freedom (CFIF) today called on Congress to reject any temptation to impose regulations on the Internet, and reminded legislators that the Internet's growth and success as a tool for expanded commerce and the free flow of ideas can be attributed in large part to their relative resistance thus far to erect government mandated roadblocks.

"Never before have consumers seen such explosive growth as with the Internet," said Jeffrey Mazzella, CFIF's President.  "This explosive growth is the result not just of intense consumer interest, but also of a 'hands off' approach by the government.  To change course now would be a grave mistake. 

"Despite its great success as a tool for expanded commerce and the free exchange of ideas, the Internet has a long way to go before its reaches its full potential," Mazzella continued.  "Government regulation now of this great medium would only stifle that enormous potential."

This call to action coincides with the release of a poll today from the American Consumers Union, calling on Congress and the FCC to further regulate the Internet in the name of "net neutrality."  Yet, another survey result released yesterday by the American Consumer Institute found that 84% of respondents would like to have the choice to purchase faster, safer and more reliable Internet services in their homes.  Keeping the internet free from tight regulations will be vital to meeting the needs that consumers clearly desire.

"Organizations calling for 'net neutrality' legislation are misguided," said Mazzella.  "These companies hope that, by putting the government in the position of picking winners and losers through regulation, they will end up in the winner's circle.  But whenever the government plays such a role, there are very rarely any winners.

"There is simply no need for government regulation in a market that is driven by consumer choices," Mazzella said.  "We do not need additional Congressional oversight of the Internet.  Consumers - not government - should be dictating how fast their Internet service operates and how much they are willing to spend for content," Mazzella concluded.

The Center for Individual Freedom (www.cfif.org) is a non-partisan, non-profit constitutional and free-market advocacy organization. CFIF opposes over-burdensome state and federal regulations and taxing regimes that will impede the evolution of the Internet and e-commerce.


[Posted January 19, 2006
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