Do we really need yet another lobbying organization in Washington DC? A number of major tech businesses seem to think so. Today, it was revealed that 14 such companies have formed what they are calling the Internet Association.
The group"s press release states that Google, Facebook, Yahoo, AOL, and Amazon are among the companies that are among the founding members of the Internet Association. Other companies include Zynga, LinkedIn, eBay, Expedia, Monster.com, IAC, Rackspace, Salesforce and TripAdvisor.com The press release states:
The Internet Association’s policy platform is based on three planks: protecting Internet freedom; fostering innovation and economic growth; and empowering users. The Internet Association and its member companies engage in direct advocacy, educating policymakers on the profound positive impacts of the Internet and Internet companies on jobs, economic growth, freedom, creativity, commerce, productivity, education, prosperity and the global economy.
Michael Beckerman, the president and CEO of The Internet Association, adds, "These companies are all fierce competitors in the market place, but they recognize the Internet needs a unified voice in Washington. They understand the future of the Internet is at stake and that we must work together to protect it."
While all of those goals sounds good on the surface, this new group lacks two of the biggest tech and Internet-based companies in its member list: Microsoft and Apple. We have emailed both companies to find out why they are not a part of the Internet Association.
Source: Internet Association