Separated ideologically, 2 influential D.C. think tanks are unite...

Technology (CDT) generally emphasize a hands-off approach in the agendas, which are heavy on telecom and Internet issues. They differ in emphasis between industry freedom from regulation and consumer protection from intrusive business and govt. practices. The Electronic Communications Privacy Act needs revamping in light of advancing technology, especially “networked storage of e- mail,” and should get Hill hearings, CDT said. “Serious questions remain” about the Bush Administration’s domestic surveillance after its promise to submit to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, CDT said. It supports HR- 11, affirming Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) “exclusivity,” and opposes other moves to amend FISA before there’s a “full understanding” of its current interpretation. Extending the “design mandate” of the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act by expanding its application to a “broad range of Internet services” would only mean more identity theft, the group said. Data retention requirements on telcos and ISPs “threaten to place unnecessary burdens” on industry and “jeopardize the privacy of innocent users,” and should be avoided. Net neutrality doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing, CDT said, calling for “specific and targeted legislation” that focused on the “portion of broadband networks dedicated to the Internet.” But simply banning the blocking of sites and services is “inadequate,” and Congress should investigate actions “short of outright blocking” that may discriminate, CDT said. “Closed, proprietary services” largely deserve a pass on regulation, and more competition or network capacity “jumps” should lead Congress to reevaluate neutrality mandates, the group said. On copyright, CDT advocated less intervention by Congress. Legislators should keep an eye on World Intellectual Property Organization broadcast treaty negotiations, which may require changes to U.S. law, the group said. Congress shouldn’t “rush through” broadcast flag legislation, and shouldn’t give the FCC new authority through the audio flag or design mandates. PFF will push for “more focus on antitrust enforcement instead of preemptive regulations” from agencies regarding communications and net neutrality. The Universal Service Fund and spectrum allocation should have a “more market-oriented approach,” the group said. It said competition in broadband markets and operators’ desire to “maximize network use” will “ensure consumers’ needs will be met.” Govt. should avoid “broadcast-era content controls” on Internet and mobile media platforms, PFF said. PFF wants “limited,” “targeted” telco and ISP data preservation for short times, rather than open- ended requirements to retain personal information, which it said would hurt the economy and endanger privacy.