Online Political Expression

Well, score one for bloggers and free speech! Last week the Federal Elections Commission (FEC) unanimously passed a rule that protects independent political bloggers from federal campaign finance restrictions. FEC Chairman Michael Toner was quoted as saying that the new rule provides an "exemption for individual internet activity [that] is categorical and unqualified," according to a recent Washington Post article. He elaborated that "internet activities by individuals in all forms, including emailing, linking, blogging, or hosting a website" are protected.

That's nice to know!

The Post's EJ Dionne had some interesting thoughts on the FEC changes as well, and how bloggers may actually be the watchdogs of online political expenditures "if ingenious political operatives use the internet to shred the campaign laws."