In a recent interview with … Republican presidential candidate Gary Johnson details his stance against the over regulation of the Internet:
“I’ve always thought copyright laws have a place,” he said. “They protect yours and my thoughts, should they be original.” However, he says, he’s been hearing “more and more on the other side of that argument.” But he’s not shy about denouncing the recent string of ICE domain name seizures, which he says is “just another example of how government acts first with no accountability at all.” Nor is he a fan of the PROTECT IP Act, which he says is “the kind of legislation that favors those with deep pockets” to the detriment of startups.”
From his campaign site:
It is not a coincidence that the one element of our modern economy that has been uniquely left free of government interference has created equally unique growth and transformation. An Internet free of regulation and taxation has produced innovation and enhancements to quality of life almost unparalleled in human history. If the market demands Internet services, speed and access, the market will provide them without any help from the government. The government, with its regulatory foot in the door, will inevitably end up attempting to regulate and referee content, speech, and commerce.
Hopefully Mr. Johnson’s race will influence bi-partisan discussion of these important issues. At the very least, he’ll open the eyes of the tech community regarding their important role in the future of the American Economy.