Economic Analysis: Promoting Electronic Filing
File Under: News, Privacy
Apr 14, 2008
Washington, DC -- A new independent study examining the costs and benefits of a proposed government-run electronic tax preparation system concludes the IRS should not invest in the so-called ‘I-File’ system, which would be costly to implement and create little or no benefit for consumers compared with the existing system.
“Competition in the industry obligates software companies to keep their products user-friendly and reasonably priced, and the IRS ‘Free File’ program already makes tax preparation software available to 7 out of 10 taxpayers for free,” study co-author Robert Litan said. “By comparison, an IRS I-File program would cost more than its benefits, and come with a significant risk of failure.”
Click here for study
CCIA CEO Slams White House On Telecom Immunity
File Under: News, Telecommunications, Privacy
Feb 21, 2008
Washington D.C. – Ed Black, President and CEO of the Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA), is prepared to publicly challenge the Administration’s claims that the failure to renew the “Protect America Act” without adding amnesty for Big Telecom companies has now placed Americans in danger.
“The President’s claims are inaccurate and intentionally misleading,” Black said. “ Assuming it is true that the expiration of the “Protect America Act” would place Americans in danger, it is not true that the inclusion of a new RETROACTIVE immunity provision for presumed illegal domestic spying by major telecommunications companies is necessary, and allowing the law to lapse in order to prevent the truth from coming out in pending lawsuits means the President has chosen the secrecy, cover-up, and the safety of these companies over that of the security of the American people.” Further, it is an insult to most in our industry that implies we are not law abiding, and would fail to patriotically meet our legal obligations to cooperate with the government without retroactive immunity.
CCIA Warns Against Telecom Immunity
File Under: News, Telecommunications, Privacy
Feb 11, 2008
WASHINGTON - Allowing retroactive immunity for telecom companies alleged to have illegally eavesdropped on US citizens and companies may make it difficult to get a full accounting of the actions taken by government officials and major carriers, the Computer & Communications Industry Association warned the Senate Monday.
In a letter sent to all 100 Senators, CCIA President and CEO Ed Black asked legislators to vote against granting retroactive immunity to companies that may have violated federal communications law by turning over customer information to the U.S. Government. The immunity is a controversial part of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act before the Senate this week. The Association warned that is it is more critical than ever to protect the privacy and trust of citizens.
CCIA Applauds Robust Review of Google-Doubleclick Merger
File Under: News, AntiTrust, Privacy
Dec 20, 2007
Washington, DC - The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) today applauded the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for its thorough examination of the Google-Doubleclick merger and its subsequent decision not to oppose the transaction.
"Let the Truth Come Out." Says CCIA on Wiretap Case
File Under: News, 2007, Telecommunications, Privacy
Jun 21, 2007
BACKGROUND: The US Department of Justice has asked a federal court in San Francisco to block subpoenas concerning possible privacy violations committed by the federal government and telecommunications companies during wiretap investigations. Attorneys General from five separate states recently served the subpoenas on several telecommunications providers.
“The case being heard today in federal court has profound significance for the technology industry, the public and their relationships to the federal government,” Ed Black, President and CEO of the Computer & Communications Industry Association said today.
“We fully support Attorneys General who demand information from telephone companies, companies that may have violated the law and their duty to their customers in processing federal wiretap requests,” Black said. “Public confidence in the privacy of lawful communications over electronic networks is essential.”
Economic Analysis On Promoting Electronic Filing
File Under: News, Privacy
Apr 14, 2008
Washington, DC -- A new independent study examining the costs and benefits of a proposed government-run electronic tax preparation system concludes the IRS should not invest in the so-called ‘I-File’ system, which would be costly to implement and create little or no benefit for consumers compared with the existing system.
“Competition in the industry obligates software companies to keep their products user-friendly and reasonably priced, and the IRS ‘Free File’ program already makes tax preparation software available to 7 out of 10 taxpayers for free,” study co-author Robert Litan said. “By comparison, an IRS I-File program would cost more than its benefits, and come with a significant risk of failure.”
Click here for the study
CCIA to President: Delay Surveillance Bill
File Under: 2006, CCIA, Privacy
Nov 14, 2006
Washington, D.C. – The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) urged the President of the United States to not push for warrantless electronic surveillance legislation in a letter to the White House yesterday.