Tech giants form “The Internet Association”

As the US government is getting more focused on online issues such as online privacy and competition (Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and Protect IP Act (PIPA)), US-based tech giants announced a lobby group called “The Internet Association” aiming ‘to strengthen and protect a free and innovative Internet.’

“The Internet Association,” the first of its kind trade industry representing the companies heavily and primarily involved in the Internet, is initially composed of 14 technology heavyweights namely Amazon.com, AOL, eBay, Expedia, Facebook, Google, IAC, LinkedIn, Monster, Rackspace, Salesforce.com, TripAdvisor, Yahoo and Zynga.

Surprisingly, Apple and Microsoft are not part of the initial list. No reports yet if the two companies are joining the coalition as well. However, even without the two big names, the association still claims that they do represent “the unified voice of the Internet economy.”

“A free and innovative Internet is vital to our nation’s economic growth,” said Michael Beckerman, President and CEO of The Internet Association.

On their website, The Internet Association posted “The Internet Association represents the interests of America’s leading Internet companies and their global community of users. We are dedicated to advancing public policy solutions to strengthen and protect Internet freedom, foster innovation and economic growth and empower users.”

Photo Credit: theweek

This post was first published at KabayanTech.com.