The Free Internet Is A Global Priority

[Commentary] In recent weeks, some of my allies in the Internet community have asked why I am working on the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act, which they see as harmful to the Internet. Many of these activists have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with me in the past as I fought against powerful special interests. I appreciate their views and their work to keep the Internet open and free. Let me explain my position clearly.

In my view, the trade promotion authority bill I introduced last week, along with the Trans Pacific Partnership that is still being negotiated, both present real opportunities to preserve and protect an open Internet around the world. Our trade promotion authority bill sets new priorities to ensure information can flow freely across national borders Together we can stand tall against threats to innovation and free speech, from restrictive copyright, to government plans for backdoors in our private electronics to the cybersecurity bill that is really a surveillance bill in sheep’s clothing. With the Internet community’s continued involvement, we can score another victory by incorporating this open Internet principles into global trade policy.