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NEWS FEED
Startup News Digest 04/05/24
Internet affordability funding to run out, reversing progress on digital divide
Broadband, the ACP, and an equitable startup ecosystem
Startups, their founders, and their users can come from anywhere across the country.
Startup News Digest 2/23/24
Age verification requirements undermine startup competitiveness
Startup News Digest 1/19/24
Tax package could support families and boost startup innovation
Startup News Digest 1/12/24
Startups to face hiring challenges following independent contractor rule
Startup News Digest 12/08/23
Supreme Court hears about dangers of state social media laws, including to startups
Paying twice? The persistent proposal that could upend the Internet and increase startup costs
Last month, a majority of the European Parliament voted in favor of a resolution contemplating a policy framework that could diminish startup competitiveness and endanger the open Internet. The vote is the latest in a long-running effort by telecom companies to force websites and apps to pay them based on the traffic they generate. That model, sometimes called “sender pays,” is gaining popularity with policymakers throughout the world—including in the U.S.—threatening net neutrality principles and the competitiveness of U.S. startups.
Moderator Mayhem: A game to test your content moderation skills
We’ve worked with Copia and Leveraged Play to launch Moderator Mayhem, a video game that has players navigate the inherent tradeoffs around content moderation.
38 Groups From Public Interest To Industry Sign Letter Supporting Section 230 Ahead of Hearing
Washington – As the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law plans a hearing Wednesday on the law that enables online services to host user-generated content, diverse organizations from academics to industry to public interest groups sent a letter to Subcommittee leaders. The letter acknowledges that Section 230 is the legal framework that enables anyone to create spaces online where user communities can gather and share content, to the benefit of Internet users and online expression.
Engine Files in Net Neutrality Repeal Challenge
This week, Engine joined the chorus of voices challenging the Federal Communications Commission’s 2017 decision to repeal its 2015 net neutrality rules, which were critical to U.S. startups.
Leaving Startups in the Slow Lane
Internet service providers would like you to think there’s broad agreement on net neutrality because everyone agrees cable companies shouldn’t block or slow access to websites and online services. But mention the words “paid prioritization” and you’ll get a much different reaction. The issue is sure to divide the House Energy and Commerce Committee during its hearing on the topic next week.
Engine Statement on Net Neutrality CRA Resolution
"Engine has long supported the net neutrality principles enshrined in the FCC’s 2015 Open Internet Order because they preserved the Internet as a level playing field where companies of all sizes, including startups, can compete on their merits to reach consumers and grow their user base."
Guest Post: Loss of Net Neutrality Puts Innovation at Risk in Hawaii
The world of innovation is at an exciting point in time, unrivaled by anything we’ve ever seen before. The cost of launching a startup has never been cheaper and the process has never been more efficient. This is largely due to reduced business costs (e.g. server fees) resulting from advancements in technology services and internet access. What once cost a startup hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars in capital expenditures just to get to the starting line is now accessible to almost anyone for much, much less. With the Internet, the distance between business and consumer has also shortened drastically; marketing directly to your customer demographic across the world is now possible. Additionally, information in the form of advice, mentoring, and best practices is now abundant and accessible. What was once restricted to Ivy League schools or knowledge bases such as New York and San Francisco is now available for free online.
Engine Statement on Senate Measure to Oppose Net Neutrality Repeal
"Engine is thrilled to see the swell of support behind Sen. Ed Markey’s measure that formally opposes the Federal Communications Commission’s vote late last year to repeal the agency’s 2015 net neutrality rules.