Digital Rights Still a Political Fight

Filed in archive Community , Government on January 31, 2007

Democrats have taken over both houses in Congress. How does that affect consumers and their digital rights? Not much.

There are supporters and opponents in both parties. Both Republicans (Stevens, Graham, Brownback) and Democrats (Feinstein, Hollings, Waxman) have fought against digital consumer rights. The biggest supporter, Rick Boucher, is a Dem.

The previous Republican Congress was not conservative. It operated in secrecy and did not value individual rights. It was beholden to many special interests, including large companies. But the Democrats have special interests as well. They are just different. As wealthy industries and corporations gravitate to the victors and contribute to their coffers, the result may be the same.

Net neutrality may be one area where there is progress. The current Internet Freedom Preservation Act though has far to go to get passed.

The entertainment industry and local California pols have long been Democratic. So don't expect any change in Hollywood's strong influence in Washington.