Government Relations from VeriSign, Inc.

The Internet has evolved to become a global engine of communication, social development and economic growth. Billions of dollars in commerce pass over networked connections each day, making the stability and security of critical Internet infrastructure more important than ever before. Policy decisions at all levels can have profound impact on the stability, security and development of critical Internet infrastructure.

As a global leader in Internet security and stability, and a steward of critical elements of Internet infrastructure, VeriSign works to promote a public policy environment that supports the Internet. VeriSign Government Relations engages policymakers at all levels of government on key Internet policy matters. Our work reflects the company's values and philosophy.

Security and Stability

As a global leader in Internet infrastructure and security, VeriSign's foremost concern is the security and stability of the Internet. From a public policy and government relations standpoint, this means advocating for policies that strengthen security, protect and improve Internet infrastructure and promote sound, stable governance. VeriSign closely follows international and Congressional debates over data protection, network security, cybercrime and emerging threats like "phishing," "pharming" and malware. VeriSign is often called to testify before Congress and in various international forums on matters relating to security and Internet infrastructure. VeriSign also works with a wide range of industry and nongovernmental groups that work to promote strong security policy.

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Information Technology Association of America (ITAA) - a leading industry group focusing on issues of importance to the high-tech community with an active roll in security policy.

Internet Governance Forum

In 2005, world leaders at the United Nations' World Summit on the Information Society agreed to the creation of an annual Internet Governance Forum (IGF) to address key issues related to global Internet policy and development. The Internet Governance Forum is unique in that it places the Internet's major stakeholder groups - industry, government and civil society -- on equal footing in all aspects of planning, agenda setting and execution. Because it is not a decision-making body, the IGF fosters an open dialogue and has been a valuable forum for cultivating ideas and addressing differences. VeriSign supports the IGF in its current model, and looks forward to continuing its participation in the process.

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World Summit on the Information Society
Tunis Agenda for the Information Society
United States Council on International Business (USCIB) - engages in a variety of national and international policy-development bodies.

ICANN/NTIA

ICANN/NTIA Created in 1998, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)oversees the global Domain Name System (DNS) under a series of agreements with the U.S. government. Those agreements are administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) within the Department of Commerce. As the operator of the .com and .net registries, VeriSign is under contract with ICANN, and participates in that organization's various consultative processes. Currently, ICANN is in discussions with NTIA and the global Internet community over the next steps in its evolution. Among the issues being considered is the nature of ICANN's contractual relationship with NTIA. VeriSign follows that process closely, and offers public comments where appropriate. VeriSign supports the ICANN model and applauds the NTIA's effective stewardship of the organization.

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NetChoice - a high-tech industry group that has been particularly active in the area of Internet governance.

Research and Development Tax Credit

First enacted in 1981, the federal research and development tax credit has played a powerful role in stimulating innovation and economic development. Many of the revolutionary technological developments of the past two decades can be linked directly to the stimulus created by this legislation. Since 1981, the R&D credit has been renewed more than a dozen times for periods ranging from six months to five years. In most cases, the credit has enjoyed broad bipartisan support. For some time, advocates for the R&D tax credit have called for making it permanent. Because many of the most ambitious R&D projects last five years or more, innovators have been leery of relying on a credit that is continuously expiring. Making permanent the R&D credit would demonstrate a commitment to maintaining America's leadership in the global innovation economy.

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Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) - a high-tech industry group that advocates for a range of key issues, including the permanent extension of the R&D tax credit.

Patent Reform

Patent Reform Abusive patent litigation is one of the most serious challenges facing legitimate high-tech companies. Under the current system, plaintiffs are able to use questionable patents as a bludgeon against legitimate companies in order to obtain sizable, unwarranted legal settlements. VeriSign supports legislation to reform the patent litigation laws to reduce such abuses and promote fairer outcomes.

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TechNet - a high-tech industry group that advocates for a range of critical high-tech issues, including patent litigation reform.

Additional Technology Policy Resources

Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) - a prominent policy think-tank focusing on a number of issues including electronic security.
Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) - a nonprofit public interest group that works to uphold civil liberties and democratic values on the Internet, and has played an active role in the IGF process.
European-American Business Council (EABC) - an industry group that works to strengthen economic investment, innovation, and regulatory integration between the United States and European Union.
The Internet Caucus Advisory Committee - a diverse group of public interest, non profit and industry groups working to educate the Congress and the public about important Internet-related policy issues.