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New goals were set at the 2012 Democratic National Convention late Sunday in Charlotte to show support of open Internet policies that protect free speech, consumer choice, stronger cybersecurity laws, and the protection of movies and songs from online copyright violations.
This tech policy is largely a continuation of Obama’s 2008 campaign and some initiatives launched during his administration. They are also pushing for more of the wireless spectrum to be converted into commercial mobile networks, as well as a public safety network- a goal set after the terrorists attacks of Sept. 11.
Other goals set by the party were vague and it is unclear how the Democrats would like to proceed if the current net neutrality rules are changed by the courts. The Federal Communications Commission is fighting a court appeal to overturn net neutrality rules that would force carriers to restrain the slowing or blocking of web content on their networks.
“President Obama is strongly committed to protecting an open Internet that fosters investment, innovation, creativity, consumer choice, and free speech, unfettered by censorship or undue violations of privacy,” the party wrote in its platform.
Verizon Wireless is suing the FCC over its new regulations introduced in 2009. The court’s decision could determine the agency’s ability to regulate any aspect of the broadband industry in the United States.
The Democrats have also fought Hollywood and Internet firms over proposed legislation aimed to protect intellectual property that would shut down many file sharing sites and hindered free speech.
The party purposely did not mention the Stop Online Piracy Act, which would have held Web Sites liable for any infringing content on websites. The words “movies” or “piracy” were not used during the convention. The issue will surely be hotly debated as Republicans gear up for the upcoming election.
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