Letter to the FTC

Dear Chairman Leibowitz,

The International Association of Internet Professionals (IAIP) is a nonprofit association that provides professional networking and a forum to promote common interests amongst individuals working in and around Internet technologies. Our members and constituents believe strongly in creating a vibrant, thriving Internet community that naturally grows and evolves to serve the needs of people everywhere.

We believe that the Internet and Internet-related technologies should be allowed to grow unencumbered without needless regulation, especially in an era as fragile and fast moving as the one we're currently witnessing.

Lawmakers and regulators are -- like most of us -- struggling to keep up with the latest technology. The rapid pace of technological change demands that regulators apply a very light touch to regulation in this area; things can change too quickly.

According to recent reports, the FTC is currently investigating Google on antitrust grounds. Though these inquiries may be well intentioned, it’s important for the FTC to keep in mind that Internet empires have been created and destroyed in the blink of an eye. Technology companies will continue to march to the beat of only one drum - the individual user and his or her needs.

People from all over the world vote for their favorite companies every day with their time, clicks and queries. This is the measuring stick for success and there’s no evidence that consumers are harmed or unhappy with these companies.

On the Internet, a competitor is always a click away. Internet users and companies both know this sobering reality very well.

Let freedom ring and let's use our taxpayer dollars for more pressing issues.

Jonathan Sackett, Chairman of the IAIP
Azher Ahmed, President of the IAIP