Top five tech stories of 2010

Happy New Year! Before we begin another year of tech and telecom
policy coverage, let’s look back at the biggest stories of 2010:

1. FCC passes Genachowski’s Title I net neutrality plan

After a year of contentious back-and-forth the Federal Communications Commission voted in December to approve the first formal legal framework to prevent discrimination by Internet service providers against lawful content and applications. The vote fulfulled an Obama administration campaign promise and prompted a swift backlash from Republicans, who have vowed to use every means at their disposal to combat the new regulations. Liberals advocacy groups expressed disappointment at the less stringent rules for wireless broadband and failure to completely ban paid prioritization.

2. Obama administration cracks down on WikiLeaks

The online whistleblower’s publication of hundreds of classified diplomatic cables this fall appears to have been the final straw, prompting an across-the-board effort from the U.S. government to cripple the site and its network of support. Payment processors such as Paypal and Visa succumbed to pressure and cut off the site’s main revenue sources even as the hacker group Anonymous targeted their websites for attacks in retribution and dozens of mirror sites sprang up worldwide.

Meanwhile in Washington talk to turned to using the antiquated Espionage Act to prosecte WikiLeaks and founder Julian Assange, who remains out on bail in London while awaiting a hearing on his potential extradition to Sweden on rape and molestation allegations. Legal experts at last month’s House hearing argued prosecuting the site could jeopardize existing protections afforded to media outlets, while both the GOP and the Obama administration have argued WikiLeaks can be successfully distinguished from a traditional media organization and therefore prosecuted for endangering national security.

3. FCC poised to approve NBC Universal-Comcast merger with conditions

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski indicated in December he plans on approving Comcast’s proposed acquisition of a majority stake in NBC Universal from General Electric with conditions designed to protect minority media interests, independent programming and the availability of online video. The FCC’s approval would be independent of a separate Department of Justice review and despite ardent opposition from competing media firms and consumer advocacy groups.

Comcast closed the year by securing the support of crucial Asian American, African-American and Latino advocacy groups including the Asian American Justice Center and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People through committments to increasing diversity in media ownership and representation. Protections designed to prevent discrimination against competing online video providers are also expected in the final conditions, which should be adopted in early 2011.

4. Privacy takes center stage on the Hill

2010 saw privacy raise its profile significantly as a legislative issue, particularly with regards to tracking users’ online activity and how websites treat stored information after collecting it. Several lawmakers including Reps. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), and Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.) have all begun work on privacy legislation and Stearns has re-iterated his commitment to pursuing the issue in the next Congress.

Two companies that consistently found themselves in the headlines this year were Facebook and Google, which are increasingly being scrutinized for how they handle the massive amount of personal data they retain on users. Incoming Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) is one of Google’s fiercest critics and plans on bringing his investigation of the “Wi-Spy” incident to Washington, while House Oversight Chairman Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) has shown a keen interest in the close relationship between the White House and Mountain View.

5. The Cybersecurity Shuffle

2010 was another year that Congress failed to significant action on cybersecurity even as the military increased its rapid expansion of both its defensive and offensive cyber capabilities. What seemed to be building momentum for comprehensive cybersecurity legislation was stalled when Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) failed to settle a longstanding turf war between Democrats on the Commerce and Homeland Security Committees over who should have oversight of civilian cybersecurity.

While cybersecurity remains a growing national security concern for both parties, the Republicans’ takeover of the House shortens the odds further that a comprehensive bill can make it through Congress next year. More likely is the passage of piecemeal reform, beginning with an overhaul of the outdated Federal Information Security Management Act that has attracted bipartisan support.

On the Defense side of the equation, the standing up of Cyber Command and the military’s emphasis on increasing its technological capabilities means the Pentagon will likely step in to fill the vacuum of leadership on cyber defense issues.