FEC Weighs Limited Internet Activity Rules

In 2004, about 200 million people in the United States used the Internet, out of roughly 295 million in the country.

The number of people who used the Internet as a source of campaign news more than doubled between 2000 and 2004, from 30 million to 63 million. An estimated 11 million relied on politically oriented blogs as a primary source of information during the 2004 presidential campaign, the FEC said.

The draft focuses on paid advertising and political spam e-mail.

Under the proposal, a political ad paid for by a Web site operator and displayed on a different site would be considered a "public communication" subject to campaign finance controls. Internet material would otherwise be excluded from the definition of a public communication for regulatory purposes, Toner said.

News stories, commentaries and editorials appearing on Web sites would not be considered a contribution subject to limits.

The commission also proposed an exemption for individuals using their own computer or one at a public place, such as a library, for Internet activities.

It sought public comment on whether bloggers who are paid by candidates should or could be required to disclose these payments or have a disclaimer.

Following the public comment period, a hearing on the issue will be held on June 28 and June 29, if a second day is needed.

Fred Wertheimer, president of Democracy 21, a nonpartisan group that works on campaign finance and political reforms, said he was pleased the commission's proposals make it clear that paid advertising that runs on the Internet is covered by campaign finance laws, and that bloggers will not be restricted.