US-based technology firms have established a lobbying group set to officially begin promoting “an open, innovative and free Internet” to the US Congress in September. to Internet Association members reportedly include Google, Facebook, eBay, and Amazon, as well as other Silicon Valley-based firms. The group plans to release its full membership in September. Agence France-Presse reported that a source familiar with the group claims it will “be a permanent association here in Washington and will be advocating on behalf of the Internet industry and its vast community of users.” The Internet Association said Michael Beckerman—who has worked in Washington, D.C., in various government-related capacities for 12 years—will be its first CEO. (PhysOrg)(The Hill)(KQED)
