Craigslist founder criticizes telecoms for 'artificial' Network Neutrality debate

Craigslist.org founder Craig Newmark has found himself an unlikely advocate for career lobbyists. While lawmakers should embrace the online tools to make democracy more widespread, he said, industries like telecommunications have to play their part by steering away from deceitful lobbying practices. "There are some bad actors in the lobbying business, but the vast majority are just people trying to get a fair shake for their clients in the sausage factory," said Newmark, who belongs to boards for groups like the Sunlight Foundation, which advocates for government transparency. However, he said industries like telecom, finance, and oil often resort to using "unsavory" lobbying tactics such as fake grassroots -- or "Astroturf" -- campaigns. Some of those groups have taken aim at Google on issues like Network Neutrality. Newmark said the telecom industry's use of Astroturf groups creates an "artificial" conflict. Newmark said the Internet should play a greater role in lawmakers' interactions with citizens and foster a "networked grassroots democracy."