OTI Issues 2020 Party Platform Recommendations

Today, New America’s Open Technology Institute submitted comments to the Republican National Committee and the Democratic National Committee as they develop their party platforms for 2020. Specifically, OTI’s comments include the following recommendations:

• Protect Digital Equity During COVID-19
• Restore Net Neutrality
• Ensure Universal Access to the Internet
• Make Internet Service Affordable
• Legalize Municipal Broadband
• Strengthen Antitrust Enforcement in Digital Markets
• Protect Consumer Privacy and Civil Rights Online
• Preserve Strong Encryption
• Reform Government Surveillance Laws
• End the Unchecked Use of Police Surveillance Technologies
• Preserve Freedom of Expression Online While Holding Platforms Accountable

The following quote can be attributed to Sarah Morris, Director of New America’s Open Technology Institute:

“As technologists, researchers, and advocates, we urge the parties to develop 2020 platforms that recognize the importance of technology policy and embrace the values of equity, security, privacy, and transparency.

“The past few months have laid bare many inequities in our society, and the importance of implementing technology policies that mitigate rather than exacerbate those inequities. Internet access is undeniably a fundamental part of our lives, and the affordability crisis in this country is particularly acute as people face record unemployment while needing the internet more than ever for access to work, education, and healthcare. We need immediate action to address this crisis of access and affordability.

“Increased access to technology inevitably raises concerns about privacy and security, and we also need policies to protect our data from unlawful government surveillance and devastating discrimination fueled by corporate misuse. Similarly, we need strong transparency mechanisms that hold internet companies accountable and end the unchecked use of police surveillance technology.

“We hope both parties use this moment to commit to ensuring equitable access to technology and its benefits, as well as protecting people from potential abuses of their rights.”