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→Stand on Internet Issues
==Stand on Internet Issues==
==Stand on Internet Issues==
===Internet Governance===
===Internet Governance===
In February 2012, Commissioner McDowell published a statement condemning the proposal from Russia, China, and their allies to create an "international control" over the Internet through the United Nations' [[ITU|International Telecommunications Union]] (ITU). He strongly noted that the existing [[Multistakeholder Model|multistakeholder governance model]], which is a consensus-driven private-sector approach, has been the key to the phenomenal success of the internet. According to him, an intergovernmental control over the Internet will prevent innovation, growth, national sovereignty and global free trade and expansion of cross border technology. He encouraged all advocates of internet freedom and prosperity in countries worldwide to engage in a more effective strategy-a dialogue with all interested parties including governments and the ITU. The goal is to '''"broaden the multi-stakeholder umbrella with the goal of reaching consensus to address reasonable concerns."''' He also reminded the U.S. government to act and select a representative to the treaty negotiation.<ref>[http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204792404577229074023195322.html?mod=WSJ_hps_sections_opinion The U.N. Threat to Internet Freedom]</ref>
During the 2012 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Commissioner McDowell reiterated his position regarding internet governance that an intergovernmental regulatory body is counterproductive and will only threaten the architecture and future of the internet. He acknowledge the fact that it is necessary to modify the current governance structure of some controversies and complaints against the [[ICANN|Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers]] particularly the [[New gTLD Program|new gTLD expansion program]] and its' approval to the [[.xxx]] TLD. However he said that these issues ''"should not be used as a pretext to end the multi-stakeholder model which has served all nations and the developing world now more than ever-so well."'' He also added, ''"A balkanized Internet would be devastating to global free trade and rising living standards. It would also render an engineering morass.Nations that value freedom and prosperity should draw a line in the sand against new regulations while welcoming reform that could include a non-regulatory role for the ITU. Venturing into the uncertainty of a new regulatory quagmire will only undermine developing nations the most. As a world community, we cannot afford to make that mistake."''<ref>[http://www.readwriteweb.com/mobile/2012/02/fcc-commissioner-ending-icann.php FCC Commissioner: Ending ICANN Could Lead to "an Engineering Morass"]</ref>
During the 2012 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Commissioner McDowell reiterated his position regarding internet governance, that an intergovernmental regulatory body is counterproductive and will only threaten the architecture and future of the Internet. He acknowledge the fact that it is necessary to modify the current governance structure of in the face of controversies and complaints surrounding [[ICANN]], particularly the [[New gTLD Program|new gTLD expansion program]] and its' approval to the [[.xxx]] TLD. However, he said that these issues ''"should not be used as a pretext to end the multi-stakeholder model which has served all nations and the developing world now more than ever-so well."'' He also added, ''"A balkanized Internet would be devastating to global free trade and rising living standards. It would also render an engineering morass. Nations that value freedom and prosperity should draw a line in the sand against new regulations while welcoming reform that could include a non-regulatory role for the ITU. Venturing into the uncertainty of a new regulatory quagmire will only undermine developing nations the most. As a world community, we cannot afford to make that mistake."''<ref>[http://www.readwriteweb.com/mobile/2012/02/fcc-commissioner-ending-icann.php FCC Commissioner: Ending ICANN Could Lead to "an Engineering Morass"]</ref>
===Net Neutrality Regulation===
===Net Neutrality Regulation===
In December 2010, the FCC approved the net neutrality regulations that would prohibit high-speed internet service providers to block customer access to legal content, applications or services. The regulation also requires internet companies to provide more information to consumers regarding their network operations. According to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, the rules ''“ensure that the Internet remains a powerful platform for innovation and job creation, to empower consumers and entrepreneurs, and protect free expression.”'' However, Commissioner McDowell voted against it and he enumerated four reasons to support his position:<ref>[http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2010/12/fcc-approves-net-neutrality-regulations.html FCC approves net neutrality regulations]</ref> <ref>[http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-201A4.pdf DISSENTING STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER ROBERT M. McDOWELL]</ref>
* Nothing is broken in the Internet access market that needs fixing.
* Nothing is broken in the Internet access market that needs fixing.
* The FCC does not have the legal authority to issue net neutrality rules.
* The FCC does not have the legal authority to issue net neutrality rules.