In the open Internet case, a number of commentators have expressed concerns that President Obama tried to influence an independent administrative agency. While it was perhaps novel to use a YouTube video to communicate directly to the public, the Administration’s formal position was expressed in FCC filings by the Commerce Department. Using the same route, this Administration and prior ones have suggested courses of action to the FCC on a range of issues. In some cases, the FCC follows the Administration’s recommendations; in others, it declines to do so. In all cases, the Administration can express its views and the FCC has the leeway to decide how to proceed.
via Technology | Academics | Policy – Playing Politics With the Internet?.