A Free Internet, If You Can Keep It

[Commentary] It was nearly a year ago that the Stop Online Privacy Act (SOPA) was introduced by Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX). Millions would raise their voices to successfully oppose this legislation, which was viewed as one of the greatest threats to a free and open Internet ever to come before Congress. But the defeat of SOPA should be more than cause for pride — it must also prompt action to secure the future of the Internet.

That is why I recently introduced two bills to protect Internet freedom. With just a few weeks left this 112th session of Congress, it’s unlikely the bills will be acted upon this year. I introduced the bills as a starting point for the next session of Congress – to launch a serious discussion about what Congress should do to help ensure a free and open Internet. We need to do more than just halt bad legislation, we also need to improve existing laws and make government work in the interests of innovation and Internet freedom. The two bills I introduced – ECPA 2.0 and the Global Free Internet Act – were designed to do just that. The principles embodied in ECPA 2.0 and the Global Free Internet Act would protect Internet users’ free expression and privacy, preserve user trust in online services, and reaffirm the open and decentralized structure of the Internet. Through policies like these, we can ensure the Internet remains a thriving and vibrant engine for innovation, expression, and economic growth for decades to come.