What price do we pay for government regulation of speech on computer networks? … A chilling effect on the development of the technology itself. Online providers are likely to be more cautious in promoting the free flow of information if they believe they will land in federal court … Individuals and entrepreneurs will not take the risk of going online with new information or products with the heavy hand of government looming.
Predictor: Feingold, Russell
Prediction, in context:In 1995 Sen. Russell Feingold, D-Wisc., wrote an article for Network World in which he responds to the proposed telecommunications bill which included the Communications Decency Act sponsored by Sen. James Exon, D-Neb. Feingold writes: ”What price do we pay for government regulation of speech on computer networks? For one thing, communications labeled ‘indecent’ between and among adults are protected under current law, but under the pending legislation, they would be criminal acts if conducted via an online system accessible by children. We must also accept a chilling effect on the development of the technology itself. Online providers are likely to be more cautious in promoting the free flow of information if they believe they will land in federal court. Finally, individuals and entrepreneurs will not take the risk of going online with new information or products with the heavy hand of government looming. I have urged the conference committee not to take this step but to instead strip the telecommunications bill of such unnecessary, unconstitutional provisions. Given the nature of politics, I am skeptical they will have the foresight to do so.”
Biography:Russell Feingold was a member of the U.S. Senate who was key in Internet discussions in the early 1990s. (Legislator/Politician/Lawyer.)
Date of prediction: December 11, 1995
Topic of prediction: Controversial Issues
Subtopic: Censorship/Free Speech
Name of publication: Network World
Title, headline, chapter name: New Law Would be a Setback for Free Speech
Quote Type: Direct quote
Page number or URL of document at time of study:
http://web.lexis.nexis.com/universe/document?_m=915f3c55697c11954b6c8fdde0427854
This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Anderson, Janna Quitney