A press release was issued yesterday announcing the launch of The Internet Association – a trade group consisting of Facebook, Google, Amazon, EBay and other companies yet to be announced.

Michael Beckerman, a senior Capitol Hill adviser, will serve as president and CEO of the organization. Beckerman issued the following statement:

“I am honored to lead such an important undertaking.  The Internet is the greatest engine

for economic growth and prosperity the world has ever known.  The Internet must have a

voice in Washington. 

The Internet isn’t just Silicon Valley anymore, the Internet has moved to Main Street.  Our

top priority is to ensure that elected leaders in Washington understand the profound

impacts of the Internet and Internet companies on jobs, economic growth and freedom.

“No one can predict what innovations will happen next.  But we do know that the Internet’s

decentralized and open model is what has enabled its unprecedented growth and

innovation.  We must guard against misguided attempts to handcuff this incredible source

of job creation, freedom and creativity.”

The association claims that they will be representing the Internet economy, America’s leading Internet companies and their consumers. Other goals of the group are to advance public policy solutions that strengthen and protect an open, innovative and free Internet.

Collectively, these companies fork out millions of dollars each year lobbying D.C. lawmakers and public policy directors. Just this week, Facebook announced they spent $960,000 on federal lobbying expenses in the second quarter alone.

Do you trust these companies to be your “Voice” of the Internet?

---

Recommended Resources

BitDefender Safego is a Facebook application you can install that will scan your News Feed and help keep you safe from scams on Facebook.

PRIVATE WiFi® is a Personal VPN that encrypts everything you send and receive. Don’t access Facebook from a public WiFi hotspot without it.

Do Not Track + is a FREE browser plugin created by Abine. This easy to install plugin keeps websites from tracking you. If you value your online privacy, then you should definitely take advantage of this free product.

Action Alert | Free Parental Control offers a 100% free Internet safety solution designed for parents. There is also a Maximum Protection option for parents that need a more advanced set of tools.