Telecommunications & Information Technology Overview

Information technology and advanced telecommunications have a major impact on the economic vitality of states. NCSL covers telecommunications and information technology issues in several major categories: consumer affairs, crime, management, telecommunications, privacy and security, and legislative information technology. 

 

Internet and technology related crimes are raising many new legal and policy questions for state lawmakers. The safety of children on the Internet is a high priority for lawmakers, and a majority of states have laws that specifically target predators who solicit children online. State laws also address other computer crimes, including hacking and viruses, phishing, spyware, and cyberstalking.

 

As more consumers use technology, concerns about fraud and protecting consumers arise. Some of the consumer affairs issues NCSL has covered in this area include unsolicited communications, among others.

 

Legislative  information technology is becoming increasingly sophisticated and is providing citizens with enhanced access to the legislative process through the Internet and Web 2.0 tools.  Almost all states provide Internet or television broadcasts of legislative proceedings and legislatures are providing a variety of tools so that citizens can track bills, legislative actions and other activities. Preserving legislative digital records is another area of focus.

 

Privacy issues are a growing concern of Americans, especially as the Internet and technology have made personal information more accessible and easier to collect and manipulate.  NCSL tracks Internet privacy laws aimed at commercial websites, Internet service providers, and private employers.  NCSL has also featured information about security breach disclosure laws. Other areas covered include state actions related to electronic surveillance, radio frequency identification, and event data recorders in vehicles. Ten states have constitutional provisions that expressly provide greater privacy protections than those provided for in the U.S. Constitution.

 

Some of the general technology management issues NCSL tracks include emergency communications, nanotechnology, and Internet filtering laws applying to schools and libraries. 
 

Telecommunications technologies and the rapid changes they bring have created significant policy challenges for state lawmakers.  NCSL tracks broadband issues, 911, enhanced 911, video franchising, wireless communications and other telecommunications issues. 

 

Related NCSL groups include the NCSL Standing Committee on Communications, Technology and Interstate Commerce, the Task Force on State and Local Taxation of Communications and Electronic Commerce and the National Association of Legislative Information Technology.