iAWFUL (www.iAWFUL.com) - A NetChoice Initiative

Reckless and misguided laws, often originating at the state level, threaten to undermine the foundation of the free and open Internet. Some of the most serious threats to the Internet come in the form of lawmakers trying to 'fix' it.

Knee-jerk, overly prescriptive laws can destroy whole business models or stifle innovative new forms of communication before they have a chance to emerge. Too many laws are proposed without considering unintended harm they may cause to thousands of Internet companies and millions of Internet users.

NetChoice is dedicated to fighting these attacks on core Internet principles. Through this site, the Internet Advocates' Watchlist For Ugly Laws (iAWFUL) will track dangerous legislation and mobilize citizens to defeat bills and proposals that threaten the future of ecommerce and online communication. The list will be continually updated to reflect the most immediate dangers, based on regulatory severity and likelihood of passage.

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 I-AWFUL (Internet Advocates' Watchlist for Ugly Laws) is a NetChoice Initiative Dedicated to Tracking the Worst Internet Laws in America

 

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NetChoice Identifies the Worst Proposed Internet Laws in America.

 

 

The Inaugural iAWFUL Top Ten - June 2009

  1. New Jersey Social Networking Bill (A 3757) – What’s AWFUL? It turns social networking sites into social networking police.
  2. California Social Networking Bill (AB 632) – What’s AWFUL? It’s a tech mandate that can be abused to stifle free speech.
  3. Connecticut Tax Bill (SB 806) – What’s AWFUL? It confuses Web 2.0 advertising for a traditional sales force.
  4. North Carolina Tickets Bill (SB 99) – What’s AWFUL? Taxes the Internet (and only the Internet) resale of tickets.
  5. Connecticut Internet Resellers Amendment (SB 1002) – What’s AWFUL? It discriminates against the Internet (only) and allows unwarranted search of people’s homes.
  1. Federal Bills on Organized Retail Crime – What’s AWFUL? They create extraordinary burdens on online marketplaces.
  2. Nevada Encryption Bill (SB 227) – What’s AWFUL? Mandates a one-size fits all tech standard.
  3. Texas Security Breach Bill (HB 345 & SB 327) – What’s AWFUL? Transforms business and technology standards into legislative mandates, harming innovation and the next generation of security technology.
  4. New York Online Employment Services Taxation Issue – What’s AWFUL? Discriminates against Internet services.
  5. North Carolina Digital Downloads Tax Bill (HB 558/S 487) – What’s AWFUL? Discourages the Greenest Way to Purchase Music and Other Content.

 

Link to the Current iAwful List