The public should have access to unfettered communication and commerce, and the Internet is increasingly the medium where that takes place.

The quote by Zephyr Teachout emphasizes the importance of unfettered communication and commerce in a modern, open society. Teachout suggests that the public should have the right to access free and unrestricted communication, enabling people to express ideas, share information, and engage in trade without undue barriers. She also highlights that the Internet has become the primary platform where these activities take place, making it essential for society to ensure that this access remains open and accessible.

Teachout’s statement reflects a growing concern about the potential for restrictions or monopolies to limit the free flow of information and commerce online. In the digital age, the Internet serves as a powerful tool for communication, commerce, and education. As it becomes increasingly central to everyday life, it is crucial to safeguard it as an open and accessible space for all, rather than allowing it to be controlled by a few powerful entities that could stifle innovation and equality.

The idea of unfettered communication suggests that individuals and communities should be able to share opinions, conduct business, and interact without interference, whether from government censorship or corporate control. In this context, Teachout advocates for the Internet as a vital space that supports democratic participation and economic opportunity, where people can freely exchange ideas and engage in commerce without undue influence or restriction.

The origin of this quote reflects Teachout’s background as a legal scholar and advocate for open access to the Internet. Her work has often focused on issues like corporate power, democratic governance, and the protection of public goods. In this statement, she calls for protecting the Internet as a public resource that should remain free and accessible, ensuring that it continues to foster communication and commerce for everyone.