No Need for New Federal Internet Agency

[Commentary] Former President Bill Clinton grabbed headlines earlier this month when he argued it was time for the United States to create a new independent regulatory agency to fight Internet rumors and misinformation. Speaking on the television network CNBC, Clinton expressed support for a new federal agency whose “mandate would be narrowly confined to identifying relevant factual errors.” It is not a good idea to create a new federal agency. Technology moves too quickly for the government to control it. Rumors or misinformation can be spread within minutes on the Internet. Seeking to deal with them through a new government agency would stifle innovation and be ineffective to boot. With a crowded government oversight structure that already includes the Federal Trade Commission, the Federal Communications Commission, and the Department of Justice, having another agency would dilute existing authority and responsibilities.