The Case for a Mostly Open Internet

The general openness of the Internet has generated tremendous economic and social value, giving users the freedom to connect, speak, innovate, and share content without restrictions. Unfortunately, many countries have in recent years enacted policies that undermine this openness. At the same time the Internet has never been fully open. Governments have long blocked illicit and dangerous material such as terrorist propaganda, pirated content, and malware. Too little openness limits the economic and social value of the Internet. Too much openness allows harmful activity. However, a “mostly” open Internet can maximize the value of the Internet. Policymakers should seek to maximize Internet activities that are universally regarded as good, reduce activities universally regarded as bad, and create a high level of technical openness.