Internet Association https://internetassociation.org We are the unified voice of the internet economy. Wed, 15 Dec 2021 15:59:10 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://internetassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/ia_icon-60x60.png Internet Association https://internetassociation.org 32 32 Board of Directors Statement on IA’s Future https://internetassociation.org/news/board-of-directors-statement-on-ias-future/ Wed, 15 Dec 2021 15:59:08 +0000 https://internetassociation.org/?post_type=news&p=9004111222451380 Washington, D.C. – Today, Internet Association’s Board of Directors released the following statement about the future of the organization:

“Our industry has undergone tremendous growth and change since the Internet Association was formed almost 10 years ago, and in line with this evolution, the Board has made the difficult decision to close the organization at the end of this year. The Board is grateful to the staff who have supported the member companies. We would especially like to thank K. Dane Snowden and his team for their tremendous work over the past year. IA has made great progress on its mission to foster innovation, promote economic growth, and empower people through a free and open internet. As this chapter closes, member companies remain committed to advancing public policy in support of this mission and will continue to work with stakeholders in other capacities.” 

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IA Statement on Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee Hearing https://internetassociation.org/news/ia-statement-on-consumer-protection-and-commerce-subcommittee-hearing/ Thu, 09 Dec 2021 19:56:02 +0000 https://internetassociation.org/?post_type=news&p=9004111222451378 Washington, D.C. – Today, IA President and CEO K. Dane Snowden released the following statement after the Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing on pending legislation:

“Internet Association commends members of Congress on both sides of the aisle for their commitment to a robust dialogue about the challenges and opportunities before us. 

“There is nothing our industry takes more seriously than the responsibility we have to create positive spaces for all users, particularly children. That is why we remain committed to working with parents and caregivers, law enforcement, and educators to protect children online.

“The internet industry continues to innovate and evolve solutions, including algorithms, to deliver content that enables opportunities to learn, connect, and engage. Section 230 is vital to the ability to improve algorithms and, without it, the internet as we know it could not exist. IA supports targeted approaches to improve the user experience, like a national privacy framework, and is encouraged by comprehensive proposals in Congress to protect consumers’ data.

“Still, we must remain cautious of the consequences of many of the bills being considered. In many cases, the user experience and user-generated content would be at risk. We look forward to continuing to engage with members of both parties on current and future legislation in order to ensure the internet remains safe, accessible, and beneficial for all.”

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IA Statement on Communications, Media and Broadband Subcommittee Hearing https://internetassociation.org/news/ia-statement-on-communications-media-and-broadband-subcommittee-hearing/ Thu, 09 Dec 2021 18:46:34 +0000 https://internetassociation.org/?post_type=news&p=9004111222451375 Washington, D.C. – Today, IA President and CEO K. Dane Snowden released the following statement after the Communications, Media and Broadband Subcommittee of the Senate Commerce Committee held a hearing on algorithms: 

“Every day, billions of pieces of content are published on internet platforms and services. Section 230 provides certainty that internet companies can use algorithms to sift through that content to show us the things we want and keep away the things that we don’t, such as illegal or counterfeit goods. 

“The internet industry uses algorithms for different purposes and audiences. One-size-fits-all policies that dictate how private companies provide choice and control do not work and will harm innovation and hinder companies’ ability to provide these tools. 

“IA will continue to highlight the importance of Section 230 while working with Congress to ensure that algorithms continue to be useful tools that help deliver the relevant, safe, and convenient content users expect.”

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IA Congratulates Rosenworcel on Confirmation https://internetassociation.org/news/ia-congratulates-rosenworcel-on-confirmation/ Tue, 07 Dec 2021 17:25:29 +0000 https://internetassociation.org/?post_type=news&p=9004111222451369 Washington, D.C. – Today, IA President and CEO K. Dane Snowden released the following statement after Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel was confirmed for another five-year term at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC):

“IA congratulates Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel on her confirmation to an additional five-year term at the FCC. Chairwoman Rosenworcel is a champion for making communications and broadband services more accessible to all Americans, and the FCC is fortunate to have her leadership. We look forward to working with the FCC to ensure every American can benefit from an internet economy that offers educational, health care, and economic opportunities.”

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IA Statement on Communications and Technology Subcommittee Hearing https://internetassociation.org/news/ia-statement-on-communications-and-technology-subcommittee-hearing/ Wed, 01 Dec 2021 23:07:28 +0000 https://internetassociation.org/?post_type=news&p=9004111222451329 Washington, D.C. – Today, IA President and CEO K. Dane Snowden released the following statement after the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Communications and Technology held a hearing on proposed legislation:

“Today’s hearing highlighted many challenges, but the proposals examined by the subcommittee impact the entire internet ecosystem and are problematic. While we all share the ultimate goal of protecting consumers and ensuring platforms are safe, open places for users, these proposals only make it harder for internet companies to prevent or take down harmful content. 

“Algorithmic innovation and Section 230 protections are critical to providing the best possible user experience. Disrupting internet companies’ ability to utilize these important tools could ultimately provide bad actors with a roadmap for hiding disruptive and dangerous content, lead to more litigation, and hinder the innovation needed to achieve safer, better experiences for all users – all while eliminating many of the features and benefits users currently enjoy and have come to expect. 

“IA stands ready to work with legislators on both sides of the aisle to improve everyone’s online experience.”

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IA Leads Multi-Organization Letter Opposing Canada’s Digital Services Tax https://internetassociation.org/news/ia-leads-multi-organization-letter-opposing-canadas-digital-services-tax/ Tue, 30 Nov 2021 15:25:28 +0000 https://internetassociation.org/?post_type=news&p=9004111222451321 Washington, D.C. – Today, the Internet Association partnered with ten other organizations in a letter to U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai, and U.S. Ambassador to Canada David Cohen requesting the U.S. formally urge Canada to stop the upcoming January 1 implementation of their unilateral, retroactive digital services tax.

“We write to express our appreciation for the leadership you have shown in working with partners around the world to reach an agreement on a two-pillar solution to bring certainty and stability to the global tax and trade system, and to share our concerns over the Canadian government’s plans to institute a unilateral, retroactive digital services tax (DST),” the letter stated. “We request that you urge your Canadian counterparts to stop the January 1, 2022 implementation of this DST, which is contrary to the spirit of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) recent agreement and inconsistent with Canada’s trade commitments.”

IA’s letter, which you can read here, was also signed by ACT | The App Association, Chamber of Progress, Computer and Communications Industry Association, Developers Alliance, Engine, NetChoice, Silicon Valley Leadership Group, Software & Information Industry Association, TechNet, and Travel Technology Association.  

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IA Commends U.S./India and U.S./Turkey DST Agreements https://internetassociation.org/news/ia-commends-u-s-india-and-u-s-turkey-dst-agreements/ Wed, 24 Nov 2021 21:34:36 +0000 https://internetassociation.org/?post_type=news&p=9004111222451319 Washington, DC – Today, Internet Association released the following statement in response to the announcement that India and Turkey have joined Austria, Italy, France, Spain, and the United Kingdom in agreeing to align digital services taxes (DSTs) implementation with the OECD’s historic global tax deal:

“IA commends the agreement between the U.S. and India, as well as the parallel accord between the U.S. and Turkey, to eventually eliminate discriminatory DSTs in accordance with the recent OECD agreement on global taxation. While timely removal of discriminatory DSTs would provide greater certainty and stability for the digital economy, we thank the Biden administration for its diligence and encourage vigilance over any DSTs that could undermine the transition to a multilateral taxation system that is pragmatic, fair, and provides clarity for internet companies within the U.S. and wordwide.”

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IA Applauds Chairwoman Rosenworcel, FCC for Approving Text-to-988 Suicide Prevention Order https://internetassociation.org/news/ia-applauds-chairwoman-rosenworcel-fcc-for-approving-text-to-988-suicide-prevention-order/ Thu, 18 Nov 2021 18:14:26 +0000 https://internetassociation.org/?post_type=news&p=9004111222451300 Today, IA President and CEO K. Dane Snowden released the following statement after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to approve an order that will enable text messaging access to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 

“We all have a role to play in suicide prevention and normalizing conversations about mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic has helped shine a light on the importance of ensuring people experiencing a crisis have access to tools and resources to connect them to the help they need. This is a priority for IA and for our member companies, which is why our members have partnered with mental health experts and advocates to promote mental health both generally and on their platforms. I thank Chairwoman Rosenworcel for her leadership, and I applaud the FCC for identifying new pathways to save lives and expand access to mental health resources.” 

Additional information on today’s Open Meeting can be found here. Providers have until July 16, 2022 to comply with the order. 

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Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Will Expand Broadband Access to More Americans https://internetassociation.org/news/infrastructure-investment-and-jobs-act-will-expand-broadband-access-to-more-americans/ Mon, 15 Nov 2021 22:33:35 +0000 https://internetassociation.org/?post_type=news&p=9004111222451289 Today, IA President and CEO K. Dane Snowden released the following statement after President Joe Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law:

“Today is a noteworthy day for our country. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will help close the digital divide and keep families, businesses, and students connected. I thank President Biden and members of the House and Senate for working across the aisle to support critical investments that will strengthen America’s internet economy and our position as a global technology leader.”  

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes $65 billion for broadband infrastructure. Last July, IA signed an industry-wide letter endorsing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework, highlighting the critical investments in broadband and other technology infrastructure included in the framework. Read that letter here.

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New Tax Reporting Requirements Will Discourage Small Sellers And Hold Back Our Online Economy https://internetassociation.org/blog/new-tax-reporting-requirements-discourage-small-sellers-hold-back-online-economy/ Wed, 10 Nov 2021 21:59:58 +0000 https://internetassociation.org/?post_type=blog&p=9004111222451275 Online marketplaces are essential partners to small businesses, craftspeople, and budding entrepreneurs. Sharing economy companies have also emerged as facilitators for Americans to share, and profit from, their time and resources – whether it’s a ride across town or a stay in their home for travelers. Internet-based marketplaces and sharing economy sites play a real role in supporting their users’ livelihoods. On Etsy, for example, sellers average $100 to $200 in monthly sales – earnings that can cushion their savings, stretch their income a little further each month, and provide vital support for those who have lost jobs during the pandemic.

However, a new reporting requirement passed in March as part of the American Rescue Plan will dramatically complicate the lives of the Americans that use these sites if it goes into effect in a few short months. This requirement drastically lowers the threshold for third-party platforms to issue a Form 1099-K from $20,000 and an aggregate of 200 transactions to just $600 on any number of transactions, impacting almost every seller who transacts online. 

For the one-fifth of Americans that sell things online, this will create operational, financial, and usability challenges. In fact, some Americans may even overpay in taxes due to the confusion this rushed reporting requirement will sow. Do we really want to mandate additional headaches and risk noncompliance when filing taxes for folks just trying to clear out clothes from their closet? This unnecessary and burdensome requirement for consumers serves no policy goal, and is a glaring example of the unintended consequences of the lowered threshold that will sweep in seasoned and casual sellers alike.

There are also very real privacy concerns with this requirement. Platforms will now have to gather and maintain extensive amounts of sensitive information on their sellers. Those who hope to simply sell via online marketplaces or pick up a few shifts driving rideshare will have to share their social security numbers and addresses. And while online platforms are already diligent stewards of users’ personal information, this may open up sellers to a new form of phishing attack in which some may inadvertently reveal their information to malicious third parties posing as online platforms. Many sellers are understandably apprehensive about providing the personal information required under this new law.

Further, despite the rapid implementation date of January 1, there have been no public awareness campaigns issued by the U.S. Treasury Department, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), or any other government agencies. As a result, some sellers may be compelled to turn to expensive tax experts for advice, or overpay due to lack of proper instructions for individual filers. Taxpayer education should not be left to private companies alone without clear public guidance from the government. At the very least, there will be widespread confusion with new requirements; at worst, unnecessary tax penalties will be levied on regular Americans.

All of this will discourage many, especially casual participants in online marketplaces, from utilizing the sharing economy, which has been a lifeline for those looking to supplement other income, meet mortgage or rent payments, or simply receive monetary compensation for creative endeavors. ​​On behalf of Internet Association’s (IA) member companies, and the tens of millions of users who rely on their platforms, we urge Congress to immediately delay the effective date of the new 1099-K reporting requirements – currently set for January 1, 2022 – by one year.

Our economy is fundamentally transforming to become more virtual than ever, but also more accessible than ever. Talented craftspeople and those with unique skills are able to share their abilities with buyers from across the country with the help of online marketplaces and internet platforms. This burdensome new requirement will add new costs and headaches to the independent sellers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses reliant on the sharing economy—potentially blocking them from these opportunities entirely.

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