Congressman seeks Reddit review on internet regulation freeze

California congressman Darrell Issa has put a drafted copy of his newest internet-based legislation on Reddit for review.

Issa posted the Internet American Moratorium Act (IAMA) on Reddit in hopes of creating an open dialogue with web users. Following the posting the Congressman spent time answering Reddit user's questions during an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session on the site.

"We are still in the early stages of the internet era, and Congress is trying to keep up with all aspects of supporting internet users, while protecting their individual rights from potential dangers," Congressman Issa said during his Q&A with Reddit users.

"What this bill is hoping to do is hold off on rule-making and implementing regulations and new laws on the internet before the federal government is prepared and ready to move forward in a way that works for everyone involved: internet users, job creators and all Americans."

Congressman Issa's proposed legislation seeks to put a two-year moratorium on the passing of any internet-based legislation in the US. The bill comes following numerous pieces of legislation which would have changed the way US officials handle the internet.

Among the internet-based legislation that is making its way through the US government is the controversial Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act (CISPA). The bill was passed through the US House of Representatives in February.

Issa was one of the representatives to approve CISPA, a fact that many Reddit users did not like. Some Reddit users condemned the congressman as "using" Reddit and IAMA as a public relations tool.

While Reddit users condemned Issa for using the social news site to share his bill, others welcomed the initiative.

Policy advisor for the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) Mark Jaycox told V3 that he applauded the congressman for opening up the legislative process.

"Further opening up the legislative process so that all stakeholders, beyond those with ready access to legislators and lobbyists, is a great step forward," Jaycox said.

"Collaboration is key in advancing and proposing legislation, and it's good to see that Issa is taking the democratic process one step further to include individual, and active, citizens."