i2Coalition Statement on President Obama’s State of the Union Address

In response to President Obama’s inclusion of Internet issues in tonight’s State of the Union, Internet Infrastructure Coalition (i2Coalition) co-founder and Board Chair Christian Dawson released the following statement:

 “The Internet Infrastructure Coalition supports President Obama’s desire to strengthen the security infrastructure of America. We look forward to working with the Department of Homeland Security to create a cybersecurity structure that respects the ability of infrastructure providers to innovate new security businesses and one that protects civil rights and an open Internet.

 The development of strong cybersecurity structure needs to be truly voluntary and one that fosters a multi-stakeholder process. It is that process that brings together active participants in all aspects of the Internet’s infrastructure and one that reaches consensus on policies that ensure there is no better place to do business on the Internet than the United States.

 As the world economy goes more and more virtual, it is vital for American workers in our field to be on equal footing with competitors around the globe. Our industry generates an estimated direct and indirect $46 billion in annual revenue in 2010 with expected 20% growth by 2013, and a trade flow to the United States of $9.2 billion.  The services provided by the Internet infrastructure industry are now fundamental in our society, and as a group, we have the opportunity not only to impact policy but to help shape the future of the Internet.   We look forward to educating lawmakers with the facts to help make informed decisions on how to best foster American innovation and the Internet infrastructure industry.”