Gregory Rosston of Stanford University and Scott Wallsten of the Technology Policy Institute argue that the switch from voice to broadband services provides a rare opportunity to reform universal service programs. Rossten and Wallsten offer an alternative design to deliver services in an efficient and politically-palatable manner.
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TPI Aspen Forum Preview Agenda Now Available
A preview agenda is now available for the Technology Policy Institute Aspen Forum, scheduled this year for August 21 – 23. Confirmed keynote speakers include Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack, Chair of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Dale Jorgenson, Samuel W. Morris University Professor at Harvard University, and Mark McLaughlin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Verisign.
Benefits from Information Collection Outweigh Costs
Economic analysis shows that the benefits of online information collection, such as ad-supported applications and content, greatly outweigh any costs or risks, state Paul Rubin and Michael Hammock in “Applications Want to be Free: Privacy Against Information,” released today by the Technology Policy Institute. Current arguments for increased privacy regulation are not based on economic theory or evidence and instead rely on anecdotes or a perceived inherent “right” to privacy online. As a result, policymakers should be leery of making radical changes to the current privacy regime without carefully considering the economic consequences.
Event Video: Online Privacy after the DOC and FTC Reports
Online video is now available on the C-SPAN website of last Friday’s event “Online Privacy after the DOC and FTC Reports,” hosted by the Technology Policy Institute. The event featured opening remarks by Congressman Cliff Stearns, Chairman of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. In his remarks, Stearns outlined the goals and key provisions of the draft privacy legislation he is planning to introduce soon.
Hon. Cliff Stearns to Give Remarks at TPI Online Privacy Event
Congressman Cliff Stearns will offer remarks at this Friday’s event “Online Privacy after the DOC and FTC Reports,” hosted by the Technology Policy Institute. Rep. Stearns, Chairman of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, is expected to soon introduce privacy legislation, building upon a previous draft developed in the last Congress.
Event – Online Privacy after the DOC and FTC Reports
The long-awaited Federal Trade Commission and Department of Commerce reports outlined recommendations for online privacy policy ranging from strengthening multi-stakeholder models to a “Do Not Track” mechanism for internet browsers. Congress is now poised to add its voice to the debate, with legislation already introduced and more to come. With the proposals representing a wide swath of options, how can policymakers choose the best course of action? How will each proposal affect online businesses and consumers? Alternately, is a federal privacy policy needed or advisable? Panelists at the March 4th event, “Online Privacy after the DOC and FTC Reports” will discuss the findings of the recent DOC and FTC reports and will give their suggestions on how policymakers in both the agencies and Congress can move forward on online privacy issues.