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How to contact the FIN:
Microsoft Freedom to Innovate Network
16625 Redmond Way
Ste. M-447
Redmond, WA
98052-9724
call us at
1-888-321-3999
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While world attention is appropriately focused on Iraq, Congress and state legislatures are still in session, considering a number of issues that could affect the technology sector and the economy. We thought it might be helpful for FIN members to be aware of the following issues:
Unsolicited Commercial E-Mail
It clutters up our e-mail boxes every day. Unsolicited commercial e-mail, better known as "spam" is a nuisance that lowers the quality of the computing experience. More than half of the states are considering or have passed legislation that aims to stamp out misleading and fraudulent spam. Congress will likely take up anti-spam legislation in the coming weeks as well. Microsoft believes reasonable constraints should be put on commercial e-mail, but regulation should not hinder legitimate communications on the Internet, as California's proposed anti-spam legislation (SB 12) would do.
[Microsoft offers some quick tips for blocking spam.]
Open Source Software Procurement Preferences
A small number of state legislators have introduced legislation that would require state governments to consider open source software when acquiring new software, and provide justification for using proprietary software products, including Microsoft's. Proposed legislation in Oregon (House Bill 2892) and Texas (Senate Bill 1579) seeks to establish a procurement bias for open source software, which would hurt competition and innovation in the software industry. Similar legislation will likely be introduced in other states as well.
For more information on the procurement debate, visit the Initiative for Software Choice.
Privacy
Ensuring online privacy is one of the greatest challenges faced by the technology industry, and Microsoft has made Trustworthy Computing its top priority. Several states, including California are considering legislation that addresses how personal information can be collected and used on the Internet. Congress may also take up the topic of online privacy in the near future. Microsoft believes any privacy legislation should be applied equally to online and offline worlds. Governments should not impose inflexible mandates that impede e-commerce and limit the development of new and better security technologies.
Proposed Dividend Tax Cut
Microsoft supports the Administration's proposal to eliminate taxes on corporate dividend payments. Microsoft believes corporate earnings should not be taxed twice, once at the corporate level and then again when dividends are distributed to shareholders. Investors deserve the full share of their dividend payments, which could then be spent or reinvested in our economy. Microsoft CFO John Connors wrote to President Bush, applauding his plan "to cut taxes and spur long-term economic growth."
Your Views Count
We encourage FIN members to participate in the political process. You can identify and contact your legislators to let them know how you feel about the elimination of dividend taxes and other policy debates. Just click on this link to get started.
To learn more about policy issues affecting technology, visit the FIN Web site. You'll also find technology news, information about Microsoft and its partners, and more.
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