The 463: Inside Tech

The Tech Policy People of Twitter

I got in on the early beta of Twitter lists (which is will be a massive success) and have created the first generation of a Twitter Tech Policy People List. Check it out and suggest additions.

Score One for the Good Guys

“I love it when a plan comes together” – Colonel John “Hannibal” Smith

The classic line by the Colonel was at the top of our minds when we saw the Maine Joint Judiciary Committee vote unanimously to repeal the Maine Predatory Marketing Act last week. 

The law was the number one offender on NetChoice’s iAwful list and widely seen as a threat to free speech and online information.  The iAwful list ranks the top state and federal laws that are a threat to online speech and Internet commerce.

While the Act had the best of intentions (helping to keep minors safe online) it was written in such a way that both the state’s Attorney General and the U.S. District Court of Maine publically warned of its first amendment crushing potential.

Steve DelBianco of NetChoice travelled to Maine to testify before an emergency hearing called by House and Senate leadership following the District Court’s warning on the law’s constitutionality.  In his testimony, DelBianco provided legislators with concrete, real world examples of how the act would unleash a torrent of litigation and block teen’s access to important online health and educational information.

The committee’s decision to repeal the act is a great example of citizen advocacy in action.  Congratulations to our partners at NetChoice and the people of Maine for proactively defending their rights.  

Now, on to our next iAwful targets!

By:  David Mack

First Ever Online Presidential Address on Cyber Security

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month and today President Obama is doing his part to raise awareness through the first ever online presidential address demonstrating that America's cyber security protection is our "shared responsibility."  Kudos to the President, DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano and so many others within our government that are fighting the good fight to raise awareness of this important issue. 

The National Cyber Security Alliance has great information and tools to learn more about this important issue.  More information and tips available at www.staysafeonline.org.  You can also link to the President's official declaration of October as cyber security awareness month.  Remember that cyber security is our shared responsibility.  Each of us can do our part.