Transparency is Key

By Bruce Mehlman

Penning a joint op-ed for the New York Times, six professors and researchers from such institutions as Georgetown, Stanford, and University of California, Berkeley, urge the FCC and Congress to take a page from Europe when it comes to net neutrality and new regulations on the Internet:

As American policymakers decide what should be done about net neutrality, they would do well to consider the precedents set by Europe’s new framework. The goal should be to develop — through a deliberative process involving regulators, the public and affected companies — industry-wide disclosure requirements that provide consumers with easy-to-interpret information on company-based limitations on access, use of services or applications.

When it comes to the Internet and net neutrality, ensuring transparency promises to enhance the evolution of this dynamic market. Imposing heavy-handed rules about how providers can operate will only hinder it.