The Obama Tech Policies Trump Could Walk Back

It’s not clear if a Donald Trump administration would approach tech and telecom policy the same way as conventional Republicans, but putting unknowns aside, a look at four issues where Trump could attempt to undo President Barack Obama’s tech legacy. 1) On the subject of network neutrality, a Trump Federal Communications Commission could try to repeal the Open Internet Order, but it would likely take a time-consuming notice-and-comment rulemaking process. 2) When it comes to internet governance, Trump has previously echoed Sen Ted Cruz’s (R-TX) opposition to the ICANN transition, which shifted the internet domain naming and numbering system to a nonprofit, from US government oversight. Trump might attempt to reverse the transition, but the options to do so are limited. 3) Regarding encryption, Trump has previously panned Apple’s stance versus the FBI and has the potential to appoint law enforcement heads who could more aggressively push the issue. 4) Media is another area where Trump could take a different tact, with an opportunity to “open up” libel laws and use the FCC to take action against outlets he disagrees with.