WASHINGTON, D.C. – A majority of Americans says that the government should employ a “light touch” when regulating the internet and that reliance on an “public utility” model of regulation is not appropriate for the growth and development of dynamic broadband networks, according to a new study by Morning Consult, released today by the NCTA – The Internet & Television Association. Both Democrats and Republicans agree that regulating the internet like a public utility negatively impacts ongoing investment and innovation in broadband networks according to this online survey of 2,194 registered voters from April 20 – 24, 2017.
The report shows strong voter preference for government having a “light touch” when it comes to setting rules and regulations to promote an open internet experience.
Key findings from the survey include:
- By an overwhelming 78% to 12% margin, voters support the government having little or no regulation of the internet, with 53% supporting a “light touch” and 25% do not want the government to regulate at all (10% have no opinion).
- There is bipartisan consensus across party affiliation for “light touch” regulation, including 55% of Democrats, 52% of Republicans and 52% of Independents. A significant percentage of those groups also favor no government regulation of the internet (21% of Democrats, 27% of Republicans and 26% of Independents).
- By an 18-point margin – 51% versus 33% – voters say internet access should not be regulated by the government as a public utility (16% have no opinion).
- Even most Democrats say internet access should not be regulated by the government as a public utility by a margin of 46% to 39%.
- By a two to one margin, voters believe regulating internet access as a utility would worsen tech innovation.
- By a two to one margin, voters say regulating internet access as a utility would decrease private tech investment.
Morning Consult conducted an online survey of 2,194 registered voters from April 20 – 24, 2017. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of +/- 2% and can be viewed via Morning Consult.