i2Coalition Statement on State of the Union Address

Internet Infrastructure Coalition (i2Coaliton) Co-Founder and Board Chairman Christian Dawson released the following statement in response to President Obama’s State of the Union address:

“In his State of the Union address tonight, President Obama highlighted a number of issues that are of critical importance to the Internet infrastructure industry – cybersecurity and privacy. We are thankful to President Obama for his willingness to focus on Internet issues and recognize the need to address cybersecurity and privacy concerns. As the builders of the Internet, our sector plays a vital role and represents an essential economic piece of the puzzle when it comes to the implementation of any cybersecurity vision.

“A multi-stakeholder process in developing a strong cybersecurity structure is essential. Through an inclusive process, we can bring together members representing all elements of the Internet infrastructure to make certain that the United States is the safest and strongest environment for the Internet to thrive.

“Reforming the outdated Electronic Communications Privacy Act is a solid first step in restoring market confidence, and this certainly speaks to President Obama’s desire to modernize the tools that law enforcement has at its disposal to fight cybercrime. Creating a more efficient pathway to request and receive warrants in the cloud can help restore consumer confidence as it empowers law enforcement with a quick pathway to data as requested by a judge.

“We support the President’s call to make the nation’s infrastructure secure.  We have long supported legislation that is technology neutral, ensures that the fourth amendment is respected, and enhances the ability of U.S. companies to compete on a global basis.

“The Internet infrastructure industry and cloud providers are still experiencing real economic damage from a perceived lack of importance placed on consumer privacy in the United States to the tune of $35 billion in lost revenues. These concerns make it more compelling for hosted enterprises to be housed overseas. Solutions to these problems need to fit the needs of small businesses, which comprise the vast majority of Internet infrastructure players, and ensure that solutions don’t create a regulatory burden that pushes small businesses out of the Internet infrastructure landscape.”