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Poll shows support for government role in policing the Internet - Page 2

© Alan Kotok

In dealing with the problems, respondents showed support for multiple approaches and viewpoints rather than a single silver-bullet solution. The researchers used an imaginative approach to get at this complex issue: it asked a follow-up focus group to name participants in a hypothetical national commission to set rules for the Internet. The responses ranged from highly visible technology figures such as Bill Gates and Steve Jobs, to Federal agencies (Federal Trade Commission, Federal Communications Commission, Department of Defense), political figures (Colin Powell, Sam Nunn, Ralph Nader), international institutions and figures (the Pope, Interpol), and even talk-show hosts (Oprah Winfrey, Rosie O’Donnell).

Government involvement, no and yes

The focus group and survey results both suggest a need but also reservations about government setting the rules. The eclectic nature of the hypothetical commission (see above) showed some government names, but also many others in the private sector. And survey respondents clearly showed wariness about involving government. A clear majority, 60 to 37 percent, selected the statement “rules for governing the Internet should mostly be developed and enforced by organizations other than the government, such as Internet-related companies and non-profit groups,” rather than “rules for governing the Internet should be mostly developed and enforced by the government.”

When it comes to protecting individual Internet users, however, the public supports the concept of government getting involved. By a two-to-one margin, 64 to 32 percent, respondents agree with the idea “government should develop rules to protect people when they are on the Internet, even if it requires some regulation of the Internet.” Americans also have reservations about leaving the industry to regulate itself. By a slightly smaller margin, 58 to 35 percent, respondents say they do not trust businesses and individuals online to regulate their own behavior.

According to the survey, Americans across the board support the idea of Internet taxation. By nearly two-to one (60 to 34%), respondents reject exempting online commerce from taxation. Support for Internet taxes include majorities of Internet users (56%), Republican Internet users (53%), and Internet users with incomes in excess of $1000,00 per year (60%).

Americans seem to trust not-for-profit organizations more than ether government or businesses, when it comes to setting Internet rules. Seven in 10 of those surveyed respond favorably to the idea, a higher score than given to either the public sector or industry. These organizations are seen as more efficient than government but with less self-interest than businesses. However, they also do not have the accountability of government agencies.

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