Tech group issues open letter to Trump

Internet agenda seeks to protect free flow of data

A Who’s Who of tech companies including Amazon, Facebook, Google, Twitter and Yahoo have signed an open letter to President- elect Donald Trump encouraging him to curtail government surveillance, protect encryption and reform immigration policy.

Published Monday, the letter congratulates Trump on his recent election and, on behalf of The Internet Association, says the Internet industry looks forward to working with him on policies that contribute to growth, innovation and consumer choice.

In its 10 pages, it outlines an Internet- focused agenda often at odds with Trump’s stated positions on surveillance, immigration and the free flow of data.

The letter comes after many tech executives had been openly critical of Trump during his run for the presidency.

A June letter signed by more than 100 executives at technology companies said a Trump presidency would be “a disaster for innovation” and that his policies stood against the open exchange of ideas.

During the two- month fight between Apple and the FBI over a government demand that the tech company break into an iPhone used by San Bernardino gunman Syed Rizwan Farook, Trump called for a boycott of Apple for its refusal to cooperate.

The Internet Association, a trade group for Internet- focused tech companies, notes the tech sector is a crucial part of economic growth, responsible for 6% of the U. S. economy and nearly $ 1 trillion in GDP in 2014.

It lists multiple, mostly nutsand- bolts issues members feel are important for that growth to continue.

Many are highly detailed. Of most interest to the general public are the areas in which the tech companies differ with Trump.

The group advocates for policies that allow individuals and companies access to strong encryption that “protects users from repressive governments looking to stifle speech and democracy.”

In addition to Trump’s stated belief that Apple should have aided government intelligence agents, the Trump transition team includes two strong supporters of the National Security Administration, which has fought against strong encryption as a hindrance to law enforcement and anti- terrorism activities.

The group also wants immigration reform to allow more highskilled graduates and workers to come to and work in the United States and calls for an expanded and improved Green Card program.

Strong encryption “protects users from repressive governments looking to stifle speech and democracy.” The Internet Association

GETTY IMAGES Donald Trump disagreed with Apple policy.