Internet Association Lobbies for ‘Flexibility’ With New FEC Online Ad Rules

The Federal Election Commission should allow online platforms flexibility in disclosing the financing origin of political advertisements, Internet Association CEO Michael Beckerman told the agency Tuesday. The FEC is considering two proposals for reforming online political ad disclosure rules. Groups like Common Cause argued for the stricter proposal requiring paid-for-by disclaimers (see 1805250032). IA supports a proposal that would link political ad information on separate pages, preserving flexibility and innovation, regardless of the device, Beckerman said. Adaptive disclaimers “allow for innovation and experimentation in the advertising, while also giving transparency and clarity to consumers,” Beckerman said. Civil rights groups -- including Asian Americans Advancing Justice, Color of Change and National Hispanic Media Coalition -- said the commission should apply the stronger, “full disclosure requirements” that currently apply to radio and TV ads, and adaptive disclaimers should be allowed only “as a last resort.” Public Knowledge Policy Counsel Allie Bohm sided with Common Cause, saying the first proposal "provides voters with clearer information about the election ads they see online."