The draft legislation, authored by Rep. Greg Walden (Ore.), chair of the House Communications and Technology subcommittee, was introduced on Feb. 5 during a hearing on global efforts for Internet regulation, according to Hillicon Valley.
"Given the importance of the Internet to the global economy, it is essential that the Internet remain stable, secure and free from government control," the draft legislation reads, stating that U.S. government policy should continue to promote a free Internet not controlled by the government, "and to preserve and advance the successful multistakeholder model that governs the Internet."
The bill comes in response to a recent international vote to increase the authority of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), a United Nations agency, to regulate the Internet.
Countries supporting this expansion of power for the ITU say that the additional authority will help governments enhance cybersecurity and combat the proliferation of spam.
Speaking at the Feb. 5 hearing, FCC member Robert McDowell represented the sentiments of many in the U.S., warning that the "dynamic new wonders of the early 21st century are inches away from being smothered by innovation-crushing old rules designed for a different time."
Practical implications of the Internet freedom legislation, if passed, are unclear.
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