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Joint hearing planned on international Internet regulation
Two House subcommittees will hold a joint hearing next month to examine international efforts to regulate the Internet.
Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.), chairman of the House subcommittee on Communications and Technology, told reporters on Wednesday that his panel will hold the hearing on Feb. 5 with the House Foreign Affairs Committee's subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade.
At an International Telecommunications Union conference in Dubai last month, countries voted to revise a telecommunications treaty despite objections from U.S. officials, who warned the changes could allow for Internet regulation and censorship.
Supporters of the treaty revisions say they will help governments fight spam and improve cybersecurity.
Walden said he is "very concerned" about the outcome of the Dubai conference.
He said the hearing will examine "what the American policy should be going forward to make sure the Internet is free from legacy regulation and from countries that have a different view about democracy and freedom."
Walden criticized the Federal Communications Commission's net-neutrality rules, which he said made the United States seem hypocritical for calling for Internet freedom at the Dubai conference.
The FCC regulations require Internet providers to treat access to all websites equally. Supporters say the rules are essential for ensuring a free and open Internet, but critics consider them an illegal power grab that burdens businesses.
Verizon is suing to overturn the rules, arguing that the FCC overstepped its authority.
Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.) said on Tuesday she will introduce a bill clarifying the FCC's authority to enforce net neutrality if the court strikes down the rules.
But Walden vowed to block Eshoo's effort.
"I don't think [a net-neutrality bill] will move out of committee — not on my watch," Walden said.
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