Technology, Telecommunications, and E-Commerce

Policy Priorities for 2008

• Advocate for market-based solutions that help parents protect their children from inappropriate content and oppose efforts that would expand the Federal Communications Commission's authority to regulate content.

• Educate the business community and consumers about the federally mandated switch from analog to digital television broadcasting. After February 17, 2009, analog TV sets that are not connected to cable or satellite will not be able to receive broadcast television signals without purchasing a digital-to-analog converter box. 

• Work to craft practical, meaningful federal data security legislation that includes a unified national breach notification standard.

• Support and promote responsible privacy policies by the business community.

• Develop an industry consensus on federal regulation of the disposal of used electronic goods and ensure that federal policy on this matter preempts state policy. 

• Reduce the processing time and improve the legal viability of patents and trademarks by ensuring that the United States Patent and Trademark Office receives full funding.

• Develop a comprehensive, unified national spectrum management strategy designed to reduce the artificial scarcity of spectrum and increase the flexibility in allocating spectrum.

• Advocate for updated federal telecommunications laws and seek the elimination of federal policies that hinder investment in technology.
• Oppose net neutrality legislation that would regulate how broadband service providers market and price their services.