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Will Democrats and Republicans commit to internet freedom?

Will Democrats and Republicans commit to internet freedom?

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Internet freedom is on track to be an important issue in the upcoming election in the wake of legislation like SOPA and PIPA, and both Democrats and Republicans will likely see fit to address it at their respective conventions.

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Internet freedom is on track to be an important issue in the upcoming election in the wake of legislation like SOPA and PIPA, and both Democrats and Republicans will likely see fit to address it at their respective conventions. In a letter obtained by The Hill, representatives Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Doris Matsui (D-CA), and Jared Polis (D-CO) urged the DNC to address the party's commitment to internet freedom.

The representatives suggest that the DNC should embrace the values of "online free expression, privacy, openness and digital innovation" — four out of five of the principles listed in The Declaration of Internet Freedom. Obviously missing is the Declaration's call to "promote access to fast and affordable networks," but it's not clear why it was omitted or if this language will even make it into the party's official stance on the issue. According to The Hill, Republicans are also expected to establish a stance on internet freedom during the Republican National Convention which begins on Monday, August 27th, one week before the kick-off of the DNC.