Internet Association to Shut at Year-End

The Internet Association will close at year-end, the board announced Wednesday. “Our industry has undergone tremendous growth and change since the Internet Association was formed almost 10 years ago, and in line with this evolution, the Board has made the difficult decision to close the organization at the end of this year,” it said. “IA has made great progress on its mission to foster innovation, promote economic growth, and empower people through a free and open internet.” IA members “remain committed to advancing public policy in support of this mission and will continue to work with stakeholders,” it said. Microsoft and Uber announced in November they were leaving the association, raising questions about IA's waning influence. A Microsoft spokesperson Wednesday referenced the company's previous statement when it decided to quit IA. "We advocate for public policies that support our business goals," said the spokesperson. "As our business needs evolve, we periodically review trade association memberships to ensure alignment with our policy agenda."