Tech-Related Legislation
Information from About Guides and partners relating to Tech-Related Legislation
EU Rules Spark Debate on Lobbying and IT
(News) A new effort to reform lobbying in the EU is being labeled ineffectual due to its optional lobbyist registration policy.
(News) A new effort to reform lobbying in the EU is being labeled ineffectual due to its optional lobbyist registration policy.
Former lawmaker: Free trade a tough sell right now
(News) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and other groups pushing for free trade pacts have a sales job to do with the U.S. public, even if they have statistics on their side, a former congressman and free trade supporter said.
(News) The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and other groups pushing for free trade pacts have a sales job to do with the U.S. public, even if they have statistics on their side, a former congressman and free trade supporter said.
House Passes Surveillance Bill Without Telecom Immunity
(News) The U.S. House of Representatives passes legislation that would re-authorize U.S. government antiterrorist surveillance programs.
(News) The U.S. House of Representatives passes legislation that would re-authorize U.S. government antiterrorist surveillance programs.
Bill Would Double Cap on H-1B Visas
(News) A bill introduced in the U.S. Congress would double the number of immigrant worker visas available each year under the H-1B program.
(News) A bill introduced in the U.S. Congress would double the number of immigrant worker visas available each year under the H-1B program.
Congress Considers New Net Neutrality Bill
(News) Some advocacy groups praise a new net neutrality bill in Congress.
(News) Some advocacy groups praise a new net neutrality bill in Congress.
Health Care Reform Must Include IT Support, Group Says
(News) Congress urged to require standards in health care databases so private firms can exchange information as needed.
(News) Congress urged to require standards in health care databases so private firms can exchange information as needed.
Bush calls on congress to extend telecom spying provisions
(News) U.S. President George Bush called on Congress Monday night to broaden protection for telecommunications carriers that helped the government monitor phone calls and e-mail.
(News) U.S. President George Bush called on Congress Monday night to broaden protection for telecommunications carriers that helped the government monitor phone calls and e-mail.
Congress Cool on Tech Issues in 2007
(News) Patent reform, security, Internet access and other topics are expected to gain a higher profile next session.
(News) Patent reform, security, Internet access and other topics are expected to gain a higher profile next session.
Tech Groups Call on Congress to Extend R&D Tax Credit
(News) More than 40 trade groups support the tax break, which expires this month, saying it protects U.S. jobs.
(News) More than 40 trade groups support the tax break, which expires this month, saying it protects U.S. jobs.
Tech group, broadcasters slug it out on white spaces
(News) A technology trade group has accused U.S. television executives of conducting a "misinformation campaign" about wireless devices designed to operate in unused portions of the television spectrum.
(News) A technology trade group has accused U.S. television executives of conducting a "misinformation campaign" about wireless devices designed to operate in unused portions of the television spectrum.
Tech CEOs seek U.S. immigration, regulation overhaul
(News) The U.S. government should give emerging companies a break on regulation and change its immigration laws to encourage well-educated newcomers to stay, panelists said at a conference Thursday.
(News) The U.S. government should give emerging companies a break on regulation and change its immigration laws to encourage well-educated newcomers to stay, panelists said at a conference Thursday.
Competitiveness bill advances in US Congress
(News) Lawmakers from the U.S. Congress have negotiated a compromise on two similar bills intended to pump up math and science education and research.
(News) Lawmakers from the U.S. Congress have negotiated a compromise on two similar bills intended to pump up math and science education and research.
EU to name carriers not offering cheap roaming
(News) The deadline for European cell phone carriers to offer a new mobile phone roaming tariff passed on Monday evening with the European Commission saying it plans to name carriers not offering customers the rates.
(News) The deadline for European cell phone carriers to offer a new mobile phone roaming tariff passed on Monday evening with the European Commission saying it plans to name carriers not offering customers the rates.
Indian business people want action on H-1B visas
(News) Alumni of a major Indian university want the U.S. Congress to take separate action to pass H-1B visa legislation that went down with the immigration reform bill that failed in Congress last week.
(News) Alumni of a major Indian university want the U.S. Congress to take separate action to pass H-1B visa legislation that went down with the immigration reform bill that failed in Congress last week.
Tech vendors disagree on patent reform
(News) Legislation that would overhaul the U.S. patent system would hurt innovation and decrease the value of patents, representatives of two tech companies said Wednesday.
(News) Legislation that would overhaul the U.S. patent system would hurt innovation and decrease the value of patents, representatives of two tech companies said Wednesday.
State, local gov't groups oppose permanent 'Net tax ban
(News) The U.S. Congress shouldn't permanently extend a moratorium on taxes unique to the Internet because the temporary ban keeps Internet providers from abusing the system, a representative of the National Governors Association said Thursday.
(News) The U.S. Congress shouldn't permanently extend a moratorium on taxes unique to the Internet because the temporary ban keeps Internet providers from abusing the system, a representative of the National Governors Association said Thursday.
Tech CEOs push priorities with politicians
(News) An advocacy group representing several tech vendor CEOs has been meeting with U.S. presidential candidates and getting a positive reception to the policies it's pushing, the group's executive director said.
(News) An advocacy group representing several tech vendor CEOs has been meeting with U.S. presidential candidates and getting a positive reception to the policies it's pushing, the group's executive director said.
EU gives final OK to legislation to cut roaming costs
(News) The European Union's 27 governments gave the final OK Thursday to a law that will slash the cost of using a mobile phone abroad by around 70 percent, the German government said.
(News) The European Union's 27 governments gave the final OK Thursday to a law that will slash the cost of using a mobile phone abroad by around 70 percent, the German government said.
Coalition pushes for US broadband plan
(News) Fifty-four organizations, including Amazon.com Inc., Google Inc. and TiVO Inc., have called on the U.S. government to create a national broadband policy, saying there's no plan now in place focused on providing affordable access for all residents.
(News) Fifty-four organizations, including Amazon.com Inc., Google Inc. and TiVO Inc., have called on the U.S. government to create a national broadband policy, saying there's no plan now in place focused on providing affordable access for all residents.
Patent overhaul bill moves forward in Congress
(News) A subcommittee of the U.S. Congress has taken the first step toward overhauling the U.S. patent system by approving a patent reform bill Wednesday.
(News) A subcommittee of the U.S. Congress has taken the first step toward overhauling the U.S. patent system by approving a patent reform bill Wednesday.
US ISPs slam into wiretap deadline
(News) U.S. broadband and VOIP providers on Monday hit a deadline to prove they could accommodate law-enforcement wiretaps.
(News) U.S. broadband and VOIP providers on Monday hit a deadline to prove they could accommodate law-enforcement wiretaps.
Lawmakers call for e-voting paper trails
(News) U.S. lawmakers on Wednesday called for electronic voting machines to include paper trail backups, while a government auditor said better security measures for the machines are needed.
(News) U.S. lawmakers on Wednesday called for electronic voting machines to include paper trail backups, while a government auditor said better security measures for the machines are needed.
New legislation would overhaul U.S. patent system
(News) A group of U.S. lawmakers have introduced legislation that would overhaul the U.S. patent system, earning them praise from a number of technology groups.
(News) A group of U.S. lawmakers have introduced legislation that would overhaul the U.S. patent system, earning them praise from a number of technology groups.
FCC to examine net neutrality
(News) The U.S. Federal Communications Commission on Thursday launched an inquiry into how broadband providers manage their traffic, again getting involved in a debate over network neutrality.
(News) The U.S. Federal Communications Commission on Thursday launched an inquiry into how broadband providers manage their traffic, again getting involved in a debate over network neutrality.
US lawmakers introduce new spyware bill
(News) Two U.S. lawmakers have reintroduced a bill that would impose penalties of up to five years of prison time and fines for spyware activities.
(News) Two U.S. lawmakers have reintroduced a bill that would impose penalties of up to five years of prison time and fines for spyware activities.
EU roaming fee regulation by end June, says Reding
(News) International roaming fees within the European Union will be regulated before mobile phone users set off on their summer holidays, the European Commissioner for Information Society and Media, Viviane Reding, said Thursday.
(News) International roaming fees within the European Union will be regulated before mobile phone users set off on their summer holidays, the European Commissioner for Information Society and Media, Viviane Reding, said Thursday.
Gates calls for new privacy law
(News) Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates asked the U.S. Congress to pass a comprehensive privacy law this year, allowing consumers to control how their personal information is used.
(News) Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates asked the U.S. Congress to pass a comprehensive privacy law this year, allowing consumers to control how their personal information is used.
Gates: Tech needs more immigrant visas
(News) Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates called on the U.S. Congress to raise the cap on skilled-worker visas, saying the county's economic future was at stake.
(News) Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates called on the U.S. Congress to raise the cap on skilled-worker visas, saying the county's economic future was at stake.
US bill proposes e-health records incentives
(News) Doctors would get US$3 for every patient signed up to use an electronic health record under terms of a bill introduced Thursday by U.S. Representative Patrick Kennedy, a Rhode Island Democrat.
(News) Doctors would get US$3 for every patient signed up to use an electronic health record under terms of a bill introduced Thursday by U.S. Representative Patrick Kennedy, a Rhode Island Democrat.
Berners-Lee: Congress should consider net neutrality
(News) Timothy Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web, advocated that the U.S. Congress protect net neutrality.
(News) Timothy Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web, advocated that the U.S. Congress protect net neutrality.
Symantec: US data breach legislation needed
(News) The U.S. Congress can help protect residents against identity theft by passing data breach notification bill that would also require companies to use reasonable security practices, cybersecurity vendor Symantec Corp. officials said Tuesday.
(News) The U.S. Congress can help protect residents against identity theft by passing data breach notification bill that would also require companies to use reasonable security practices, cybersecurity vendor Symantec Corp. officials said Tuesday.
Patent reform tops list of tech concerns
(News) Technology industry executives are pushing the U.S. Congress to reform the way patents are issued in order to process them more quickly while also making sure they are legitimate.
(News) Technology industry executives are pushing the U.S. Congress to reform the way patents are issued in order to process them more quickly while also making sure they are legitimate.
Congress Fails to Pass Net Neutrality Bill
(News) Hopes dim as less-interested Democratic Congress arrives next month.
(News) Hopes dim as less-interested Democratic Congress arrives next month.
Tech.gov: Congress Tries to Overhaul Cable--And a Lot More
Tech.gov: Congress Tries to Overhaul Cable--And a Lot More
Tech.gov: Congress Tries to Overhaul Cable--And a Lot More
New Federal Cybercrime Bill Inadequate, Consumer Advocates Say
(news) New Federal Cybercrime Bill Inadequate, Consumer Advocates Say
(news) New Federal Cybercrime Bill Inadequate, Consumer Advocates Say
House Republicans Outline High-Tech Agenda for Congress
(news) House Republicans Outline High-Tech Agenda for Congress
(news) House Republicans Outline High-Tech Agenda for Congress
Cable Channel-Shuffling Considered
(news) Don't want MTV? Consumers, cable industry clash over proposal to offer a la carte channel choices.
(news) Don't want MTV? Consumers, cable industry clash over proposal to offer a la carte channel choices.
Tech.gov: A Tangled Web of Taxes
(news) The rise of tax-free voice-over-IP phone services gives new urgency to the ongoing debate over Internet taxation.
(news) The rise of tax-free voice-over-IP phone services gives new urgency to the ongoing debate over Internet taxation.
Child-Protection Law Debated
(news) Supreme Court holds its final hearing before ruling on the constitutionality of COPA.
(news) Supreme Court holds its final hearing before ruling on the constitutionality of COPA.
Will Big Media Choke the Net?
(news) Debate brews over digital fallout from FCC's hands-off approach to media ownership.
(news) Debate brews over digital fallout from FCC's hands-off approach to media ownership.
Home Office: Burn a DVD, Go to Jail
(howto) Do's, don'ts, and other good advice. Plus, more Clippy bashing.
(howto) Do's, don'ts, and other good advice. Plus, more Clippy bashing.
Porn Filter Challenge Heads to Court
(news) Supreme Court will decide whether library law limits free speech.
(news) Supreme Court will decide whether library law limits free speech.
Senate Approves Bill Targeting Child Porn
(news) Proposed law restricts even computer-generated images.
(news) Proposed law restricts even computer-generated images.
Internet Hate-Speech Ban Called 'Chilling'
(news) Council of Europe's Internet restrictions raise uneasy questions about civil rights online.
(news) Council of Europe's Internet restrictions raise uneasy questions about civil rights online.
Last Chance for Cybersecurity Law
(news) Late-session legislation likely to focus on homeland issues, but tech bills are still in play.
(news) Late-session legislation likely to focus on homeland issues, but tech bills are still in play.
GOP Control Declared Good for Tech
(news) Online privacy bill, broadband deregulation, other legislation could pass more easily with power shift, watchers say.
(news) Online privacy bill, broadband deregulation, other legislation could pass more easily with power shift, watchers say.
Up Front: A Corporate Posse for Copyright Thieves?
(howto) That's how a tough new bill proposes to stop movie and music pirates.
(howto) That's how a tough new bill proposes to stop movie and music pirates.
Is Your Congress Member Tech-Friendly?
(news) Technology council rates officials, releases voter guide to friends, foes.
(news) Technology council rates officials, releases voter guide to friends, foes.
FCC Throws Its Weight Behind DTV
(news) Feds say new TV sets must be equipped to offer digital signals by 2007, but consumer groups are crying foul.
(news) Feds say new TV sets must be equipped to offer digital signals by 2007, but consumer groups are crying foul.
Broadband Deregulation: Help or Hindrance?
(news) Senate committee weighs several deregulation bills, but opponents warn of rate hikes, slacking service.
(news) Senate committee weighs several deregulation bills, but opponents warn of rate hikes, slacking service.
Domain for Kids Nears Approval
(news) House passes bill creating .kids domain, supporters await measure in Senate.
(news) House passes bill creating .kids domain, supporters await measure in Senate.
Hollings Online Privacy Bill Stalled
(news) Political maneuver prevents Senate committee from passing modified measure--for just a day.
(news) Political maneuver prevents Senate committee from passing modified measure--for just a day.
Will Fees Silence Web Radio?
(news) Senators hear songs of concern before copyright office rules on royalty rates for Web-based radio stations.
(news) Senators hear songs of concern before copyright office rules on royalty rates for Web-based radio stations.
Online Free Speech Goes Another Round
(news) After Supreme Court upholds most of COPA, digital civil libertarians brace for another battle over restricting kids' surfing.
(news) After Supreme Court upholds most of COPA, digital civil libertarians brace for another battle over restricting kids' surfing.
Senate Weighs Broadband Bills
(news) Competing legislation tackles how to promote cheap, available high-speed Internet access.
(news) Competing legislation tackles how to promote cheap, available high-speed Internet access.
Kid-Safe Domain Nears Reality
(news) Legislation is no substitute for parental monitoring of dot-com kids, some critics say.
(news) Legislation is no substitute for parental monitoring of dot-com kids, some critics say.
Broadband Gets a Boost
(news) House approves Tauzin-Dingell bill deregulating some deployment; Senate opponents gear up to fight.
(news) House approves Tauzin-Dingell bill deregulating some deployment; Senate opponents gear up to fight.
House Puts Bucks Behind Cybersecurity
(news) Bill approved to spend $888 million on security training, research, and development.
(news) Bill approved to spend $888 million on security training, research, and development.
Nevada Bets on Online Gambling
(news) Digital casinos are big business, and the race is on to legally deliver Las Vegas-style action to your PC.
(news) Digital casinos are big business, and the race is on to legally deliver Las Vegas-style action to your PC.
Bush Urges Tech Skills for Schoolkids
(news) Administration promotes math, science education to improve the technology workforce.
(news) Administration promotes math, science education to improve the technology workforce.
Your Rights: PC Lemon Laws
(news) New laws in the works may help if your new PC turns out to be a lemon.
(news) New laws in the works may help if your new PC turns out to be a lemon.
House Committee Approves 5-year Net Tax Ban
(news) Internet shoppers are still free from sales taxes after a House subcommittee avoids issue.
(news) Internet shoppers are still free from sales taxes after a House subcommittee avoids issue.
Should Surfing Kids Get Their Own Domain?
(news) ICANN dismisses .kids concept as unenforceable, but legislators urge adoption.
(news) ICANN dismisses .kids concept as unenforceable, but legislators urge adoption.
Nader Group Bashes Search Engine Ad Practices
(news) FTC is asked to investigate whether ads are being disguised as search results.
(news) FTC is asked to investigate whether ads are being disguised as search results.
Internet Tax Bills Multiply
(news) One plan streamlines tax system, but others say favoring the Net cheats local government.
(news) One plan streamlines tax system, but others say favoring the Net cheats local government.
Net Access Tax Could Be Banned Forever
(news) Bipartisan bill introduced to continue moratorium on some Internet taxes.
(news) Bipartisan bill introduced to continue moratorium on some Internet taxes.
More Laws, Cops Won't Stem Cybercrime, Execs Say
(news) Congress shouldn't rush to write Internet laws, industry representatives urge.
(news) Congress shouldn't rush to write Internet laws, industry representatives urge.
Web Radio to Resume Tunes in July
(news) After nearly a three-month blackout, commercial radio stations will soon stream their signals into cyberspace.
(news) After nearly a three-month blackout, commercial radio stations will soon stream their signals into cyberspace.
Lawmakers Still Talking About Net Taxes
(news) With the current ban on online taxes set to expire, both sides continue to face off in Washington.
(news) With the current ban on online taxes set to expire, both sides continue to face off in Washington.
Bill Would Let You Sue Spammers
(news) Opponents suggest bill to fend off bulk e-mail could hamper growth of retail on the Web.
(news) Opponents suggest bill to fend off bulk e-mail could hamper growth of retail on the Web.
Companies May Get Paid to Push Telecommuting
(news) Trying to cut car emissions, government will award credits to companies that let employees telecommute.
(news) Trying to cut car emissions, government will award credits to companies that let employees telecommute.
Web Radio Goes Silent in Legal Crossfire
(news) Broadcast stations suspend Webcasting while caught between union battle and copyright fights.
(news) Broadcast stations suspend Webcasting while caught between union battle and copyright fights.
Digital Education Fund Urged
(news) Former FCC, broadcasting execs want trust fund to finance new resources for schools, public TV.
(news) Former FCC, broadcasting execs want trust fund to finance new resources for schools, public TV.
Sales Taxes on the Net Eyed by Congress
(news) Congress wrestles with thorny Internet sales tax issues.
(news) Congress wrestles with thorny Internet sales tax issues.
FBI Battles Computer Crime 'Epidemic'
(news) Bureau works to balance tough stance with privacy rights, director says.
(news) Bureau works to balance tough stance with privacy rights, director says.
You Might Vote Online, But Not From Home
(news) Federal study urges caution implementing first Internet polls, to guard against fraud.
(news) Federal study urges caution implementing first Internet polls, to guard against fraud.
Congress Starts Scrutinizing Online Privacy
(news) Academic and big-picture visions offered at first in a series of hearings about privacy online.
(news) Academic and big-picture visions offered at first in a series of hearings about privacy online.
Congress Navigates a Flood of Net Privacy Bills
(news) Lawmakers, industry juggle e-commerce and consumer concerns in review of longtime (and new) proposals.
(news) Lawmakers, industry juggle e-commerce and consumer concerns in review of longtime (and new) proposals.
Internet Voting: An Alternative to Chads?
(news) Congress considers online ballots, biometric verifications, and other technology in voting reforms.
(news) Congress considers online ballots, biometric verifications, and other technology in voting reforms.
Tech Industry Jockeys for Federal Funds
(news) Intel exec opens season, urging funds for tech education, tax credits, and development.
(news) Intel exec opens season, urging funds for tech education, tax credits, and development.
Tech Issues Among Federal 'High-Risk' Concerns
(news) Upgrades targeted in GAO's annual list of priorities, while Y2K finally drops off the tally.
(news) Upgrades targeted in GAO's annual list of priorities, while Y2K finally drops off the tally.
Web Radio Copes With Paying the Piper
(news) Copyright ruling requires music licensing fees from Web versions of traditional radio, as well as Web-only stations.
(news) Copyright ruling requires music licensing fees from Web versions of traditional radio, as well as Web-only stations.
PCWorld.com's 2000 Voter Guide
(news) How do the presidential candidates stand on technology issues? We find out.
(news) How do the presidential candidates stand on technology issues? We find out.
FBI Still Hunting With Carnivore
(news) Enhanced Carnivore could intercept phone calls, according to documents obtained by privacy group.
(news) Enhanced Carnivore could intercept phone calls, according to documents obtained by privacy group.
Online Gambling: Luck Runs Out for Virtual Casinos?
(news) Congress takes a strong interest in the Internet's unregulated, untaxed gambling sites.
(news) Congress takes a strong interest in the Internet's unregulated, untaxed gambling sites.