Ann M. Ravel, the chairwoman of the Federal Election Commission (FEC), is revisiting discussions about targeting campaign and political activities on the Internet,
The Washington Examiner reports.
"It would be under the purview of the FEC to look at some of the issues that arise in new media and the impact of new media, in particular with respect to disclosure and ensuring that there is no corporate contributions, for example excessive contributions or contributions to a particular candidate," Ravel said at a daylong conference hosted by the Brennan Center for Justice, the New York City Campaign Finance Board, and the Committee for Economic Development.
This is not the first time Ravel has discussed the idea of regulating the Internet, Google or social media sites like Facebook. According to the Examiner, Ravel said she backed down from her previous bid after receiving "threatening misogynist responses."
The previous proposal died in a 3-3 vote after Republicans feared the new regulations would target conservative groups, activities and news sites.
Currently, the FEC regulates paid campaign ads on the Internet. However, videos or other social media that are posted for free are not regulated, and Republican Commissioner Lee E. Goodman warns that the new regulations would silence voices over the Web.
"It would be important for us to talk to technologists, talk to others in the community, and come up with thoughtful policy about the Internet and other technological advances that are being utilized for essentially campaign finance purposes," said Ravel, who has indicated she is pursuing regulating Internet political activity such as fundraising and donations.
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