SIIA: Software & Information Industry Association

The software and digital content industry is at the forefront of developing and utilizing a global e-commerce market in which business, consumers and users have confidence. SIIA’s e-commerce agenda focuses on the legal, regulatory and policy environment in the U.S., Europe and elsewhere with the goal of removing barriers to e-commerce (electronic contracting and removal of laws or regulations that impede eCommerce), security and trust (cybersecurity), business-to-business exchanges and trade (including customs facilitation).

SIIA members are leaders in promoting effective protection of personal privacy, and SIIA is a well-recognized resource for policy makers on the issue of privacy policy and privacy-enhancing technologies. SIIA’s work in this important includes implementation of laws and policies affecting unsolicited commercial email (spam), telemarketing, protections for children and efforts to address so-called "spyware."

SIIA supports a comprehensive, life-long learning strategy to prepare our citizenry with the knowledge and skills necessary for 21st Century success. Public policies should support: (1) integration of technology into education and training to provide anytime, anywhere and individualized learning; and (2) education and training in computing, mathematics, engineering and the sciences to meet our high-tech workforce needs.

SIIA is a leading advocate of strong intellectual property protection that appropriately balances the legitimate interests of copyright owners and users. SIIA strongly supports patent, trademark and copyright laws that provide adequate and effective protection to software and digital content and we oppose those that would unjustly weaken these protections. Specific SIIA IP priorities include database protection, state sovereign immunity, anti-counterfeiting, changes to the DMCA, domain names, PTO funding, and copyright enforcement.

SIIA supports government initiatives that utilize technology to enhance citizen access to government services and information. This includes empowering those with disabilities to benefit from government services through effective IT solutions. Such efforts should complement and encourage private sector efforts, rather than duplicating them. E-government policies should focus on improving service to citizens for inherently governmental functions. Government information policies should encourage the greatest possible diversity of sources for government information.

The intense focus of Congress, the states and the media on the so-called “offshore outsourcing” of jobs poses significant challenges to the globally dynamic software and digital content industry. SIIA is actively working with policymakers as the Federal and state levels to ensure that fear about U.S. job losses does not drive misguided, counterproductive policies that are harmful to the global digital economy and to the overall U.S. economy.

SIIA supports tax, finance and accounting policies that encourage strong growth of the digital economy. Such policies must promote a borderless electronic marketplace free from unfair and inconsistent taxation and provide an environment that encourages research and innovation critical to continued strong economic growth.

SIIA is Engaged in Key Policy Developments in the EU.

SIIA works closely with the Chinese Government to affect Chinese laws and policies that promote the market for the U.S. software and digital content industries.