Computer & Communications Industry Association

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The Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA) is a nonprofit advocacy group based in Washington, DC. It was founded in 1972 to represent information and communications technology industries and to push for open markets, open systems, open networks, and fair competition.

What CCIA does
- Represents many global tech and telecom companies.
- Lobbies on policy issues like internet freedom, net neutrality, privacy, and limits on government surveillance.
- Promotes patent and copyright reform and opposes policies that curb online access or competition.
- Produces research and commentary through its Patent Progress blog and other reports.
- Speaks to lawmakers and files amicus briefs in important court cases.

Key activities and positions
- Has pushed for net neutrality and opposed internet censorship policies.
- Supported Section 230 in 1996 to protect free online speech and has warned against changes that could restrict speech or increase platform liability.
- Advocates balanced intellectual property rules that protect creators while enabling innovation.
- Campaigned on copyright policy to support access to information and fair use.
- Lobbied on privacy issues and against broad or unchecked government surveillance.
- Filed briefs in patent cases (including Apple vs. Samsung) and supported reforms to venue rules in patent litigation.

Global presence
- In addition to its U.S. work, CCIA operates CCIA Europe, established in 2010 with a Brussels office to represent members’ interests in European policy areas such as copyright, data transfers, and digital regulation.
- In 2025, CCIA Europe urged EU policymakers to delay certain AI Act provisions until there is clearer guidance.

Recent policy focus and legal activity
- Currently opposing certain U.S. antitrust bills that could threaten major tech services.
- Leaders argue that thoughtful antitrust policy should focus on consumer harm, not stifle innovation.
- Has urged the removal of digital trade barriers and welcomed Canada’s decision to withdraw a Digital Services Tax in 2025.
- Actively involved in state and federal legal challenges over online content moderation and age- and privacy-related laws in states like Florida and Texas.
- Participated in high-profile cases and amicus briefs related to online advertising, moderation practices, and age-verification rules.

Membership and leadership
- CCIA’s membership includes major tech and internet companies such as Amazon, Apple, Google, Meta (formerly Facebook), Samsung, and many others.
- The association’s CEO is Matthew Schruers, who oversees its lobbying and policy positions.

Overall, CCIA works to keep internet services open and competitive while balancing the needs of creators, users, and technology developers through advocacy, research, and legal action.