Barack Obama's Take on Tech
Nov 26, 2007
A week after publishing his Q&A with former Sen. John Edwards, TechCrunch's Michael Arrington has published the transcript of an interview with Sen. Barack Obama. To date, Arrington has asked four of the 2008 presidential candidates for their views on various tech-related issues (the other two are Gov. Mitt Romney and Sen. John McCain).
We've included excerpts of Obama's responses to TechCrunch's questions below. You can also check out an hour-long video of his recent visit to Google HQ in the Media Vault.
On net neutrality: "...I will take a backseat to no one in my commitment to network neutrality. The Internet is the most open network in history. We have to keep it that way. I will prevent network providers from discriminating in ways that limit the freedom of expression on the Internet."
On the government's role in protecting personal privacy online: "I support updating surveillance laws and ensuring that law enforcement investigations and intelligence-gathering relating to U.S. citizens are done only under the rule of law. I will also work to provide robust protection against misuses of particularly sensitive kinds of information, such as e-health records and location data that do not fit comfortably within sector-specific privacy laws."
On the upcoming 700 MHz spectrum auction: "I would have gone further than the Federal Communications Commission has done to date to make sure that this spectrum will be used and open to innovation, but I support the direction the FCC is moving in toward more competition and encouraging new entrants into this market and I will direct my administration's FCC to continue moving in that direction."
On closing the "digital divide" in the U.S.: "In terms of bridging the digital divide outside of schools...my administration will establish a multi-year plan with a date certain to change the Universal Service Fund program from one that supports voice communications to one that supports affordable broadband, with a specific focus on reaching previously un-served communities. Finally, I will encourage innovation at the local level through federal support of public/private partnerships that deliver broadband to communities without real broadband."
On ensuring that every U.S. student is technologically literate by the time he/she finishes 8th grade: "Access to computers and broadband connections in public schools must be coupled with qualified teachers, engaging curricula, and a commitment to developing skills in the field of technology. All children must have access to strong math and science curriculum at all grade levels, including the pre-K level."
On the H-1B Visa program: "...we have a skills shortage, not a worker shortage. There are plenty of Americans who could be filling tech jobs given the proper training. I am committed to investing in communities and people who have not had an opportunity to work and participate in the Internet economy as anything other than consumers...Until we have achieved that, I will support a temporary increase in the H-1B visa program as a stopgap measure until we can reform our immigration system comprehensively."
On whether or not changes are needed at the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office: "With better informational resources, the Patent and Trademark Office could offer patent applicants who know they have significant inventions the option of a rigorous and public peer review that would produce a "gold-plated" patent much less vulnerable to court challenge."
Read the full interview at TechCrunch.
Tags:
2008 elections, Barack Obama
