When giants collide: New networks, old laws

[Commentary] Some argue that the public sector should leave communications and information businesses alone -- eliminate regulation, weaken consumer protection agencies or stop those with oversight authority from doing their job. Nothing could be more shortsighted.

Not only would it be bad for consumers and competition, but, in the end, it would also likely to be bad for innovation and democratic participation -- and, ultimately, for the next generation of businesses. In fact, we should modernize rather than eliminate our laws and agencies. We need to ensure that they protect consumers, encourage competition and spur innovation -- just as the old laws created a playing field where all these businesses could succeed. The old rules are outdated for the new landscape. Good public policymaking and oversight mean it's our job to leave alone the systems that are working and act when the law doesn't work. And by "working," I mean:

1) the market actors do not know what their legal obligations to each other or consumers are, and
2) a conflict between private actors leads to a destructive stalemate or behavior that threatens either consumers, competition or innovation.