
Bartlett D. Cleland is a research fellow with the Institute for Policy Innovation.
Cleland represented IPI as a member of the Internet Safety Technical Task Force and contributed to its final report, released in January 2009. The Task Force was created in February 2008 at the request of 49 state attorneys general to identify effective tools and technologies to keep kids safe online.
He currently serves as private sector co-chair of the American Legislative Exchange Council’s Telecommunications & Information Technology Task Force. Cleland also serves on the Internet Education Foundation Board of Directors, which involves working closely with the Internet Caucus and such projects as GetNetWise, a project to assist parents in understanding the Internet and how to protect children on-line.
Cleland began his professional career in the human resources field with Lee Hecht Harrison as a consultant for executive outplacement. He went to
Surrendering Privacy to Protect Children Online
A variety of legislative proposals across the country attempt to limit “children’s” or minors’ ability to be online, but the implications reach right to our basic liberties.
"Crushed" by Conservatives Abandoning their Principles
While Congressman Ken Buck (R-CO) says “Big Tech” is “crushing” free speech, we are crushed to see Rep. Buck and fawning organizations abandoning their free market, limited government principles.
Broadband Adoption, One Key to Growing a Local Economy
Broadband access enables access to information, education, healthcare and community, but many American households simply do not take advantage of access to broadband. Efforts to increase broadband adoption through digital literacy education are an investment that can pay off in economic growth for local communities.
Texas Legislators "Come and Take" Free Speech
Like the Texians before them, today’s Texans overwhelmingly believe in free markets, private property, individual liberty and lesser government. HB 20 violates not only these principles but also the free speech protections of both the U.S. and Texas Constitutions.
Permissionless Innovation vs. the Precautionary Principle
For the sake of our economy, for the promise of a better quality of life, and greater discovery, we should allow permissionless innovation unless harm can be demonstrated. And even then, such regulation should be minimal and flexible.
Populism Is the Wrong Approach to Tech Policy
The United States has figured out the innovation equation, while the rest of the world has not: The heavy hand of government does not lead to greater innovation. That’s why tech populism, calling for more aggressive regulation and antitrust activism, is very troubling.
Regulators Going Off the Chain on Cryptocurrency
Regulators and legislators seem increasingly eager to impose government involvement as soon as an innovation hits the headlines.
On Technology, Congress Should Stop the Nonsense and Lead by Example
We are long past time when it is humorous for elected officials to admit they do not understand technology but then quickly move to regulate and tax it. For the sake of continued innovation, it is time for this nonsense to stop.
Expanding Broadband in Texas the Right Way
The low-hanging fruit for expanding broadband access is clearing away barriers to deployment. With HB 1505, Texas has taken some significant steps to extend broadband access to the approximately 4 percent of Texans who lack it. Other states should follow the example.
Washington's 'Knowledge Problem' About Innovation, Technology and Google
Antitrust reviews are the worst form of policymaking, with the government picking winners and losers, deciding what is “too big,” and otherwise carving up industry as if government has any understanding of business, innovation or even the effects of antitrust actions.