Regulatory Oversight and Privacy Policy for an Open Internet Ecosystem

In my previous post, I highlighted four reasons why the U.S needs a unified policy framework for an open Internet ecosystem: 1) lack of competition/incentive and the ability to discriminate; 2) collection of and control over personal data; 3) lack of transparency; and 4) inadequacy of current laws and enforcement. Many of these problems can be addressed with targeted legislative and regulatory interventions. Others require more research and investigation before the right policy prescriptions can be developed. The policy proposals I suggest can be placed in five categories: 1) regulatory oversight, 2) privacy, 3) competition, 4) access and affordability, and 5) transparency. Here I’ll address my recommendations for regulatory oversight and privacy  and the other three categories in subsequent posts.

[Gigi B. Sohn is a Distinguished Fellow, Georgetown Law Institute for Technology Law & Policy and Benton Senior Fellow and Public Advocate]