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Bartlett D. Cleland

Research Fellow

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 Washington, D.C. in 1995 to work for Senator John Ashcroft, serving as the Senator’s technology counsel from 1996 - 1998.  At the same time, he held various management positions, ultimately serving two years as operations director.  From 1998 to 2000, he worked for Americans for Tax Reform as technology and policy counsel, and advised Commissioner Grover G. Norquist on the Advisory Committee on Electronic Commerce.  From 2000 to 2005, he served as the Associate General Counsel and VP, Software, at the Information Technology Association of America.

Bartlett graduated from Millikin University with a B.S. in philosophy and business administration.  He received his Masters of Business Administration, as well as his law degree with a specialization in international and comparative law, from St. Louis University.  He is admitted to the Missouri bar.

May 18, 2023

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.

February 16, 2023

"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.

October 13, 2022

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.

May 27, 2022

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.

May 19, 2022

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. 

February 17, 2022

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.

December 9, 2021

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. 

September 16, 2021

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.

June 11, 2021

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.

October 29, 2020

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.  

Total Records: 219