Obama Taps Google, Microsoft Execs for Tech Advisors

WASHINGTON — Google CEO Eric Schmidt and Microsoft chief research and strategy officer Craig Mundie were among the 10 appointees for the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, announced Monday by President Barack Obama.

The PCAST is an advisory group of the nation’s top scientists and engineers from outside the federal government to provide expertise and advice on matters of science and technology policy.

Because Google and Microsoft have stated support of Net neutrality, a principle that says Internet providers can’t discriminate online content based on its source, ownership or destination, some speculate that the execs’ new roles put them in a place of influence to favor keeping the Internet free and open.

Google’s efforts to maintain Net neutrality include entering with broadband providers into edge-caching agreements, which involves temporarily storing frequently accessed data on servers close to its users — servers Google offers to collocate within broadband providers’ facilities.

After drawing criticism, Google’s Washington, D.C., telecom and media counsel Richard Whitt defended edge caching in a June 2007 blog, stating “these solutions help broadband providers by minimizing the need to send traffic outside of their networks and reducing congestion on the Internet's backbones. In fact, caching represents one type of innovative network practice encouraged by the open Internet."

After withdrawing from the now-defunct It’s Our Net coalition in October 2006, Microsoft spokesperson Ginny Terzano restated the company’s support for net neutrality with a company announcement.

“Microsoft continues to support consumer net neutrality rights, and it has long supported the ability of broadband providers to offer tiers of service and other enhancements,” she said.

Nevertheless, PCAST serves as an advisory body only, meant to assist the White House in formulating policies regarding science and technology. In addition, Schmidt’s ties as an adviser to the Obama campaign and member of the Transition Economic Advisory Board also have been pointed out as already having access to pitch Net neutrality.

Others appointed to the advisory board include President of Yale University Richard Levin, University of California, San Diego professor of chemistry and biochemistry Mario Molina, and retired general manager of Technology Partnerships at Honeywell, Inc., Maxine Savitz.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Ohio AG Threatens Action Against 'Major' Adult Sites Over AV Law

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced today that his office is sending "notice of violation" letters to 19 adult websites for failure to comply with the state's recently enacted age verification law.

Chaturbate Announces 2025 Music Contest Winners

Chaturbate has revealed the winners of its 2025 music competition.

2026 XBIZ Exec Awards Pre-Noms Open With Debut of New 'Impact' Honors

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the pre-nomination period for the 2026 XBIZ Exec Awards, the adult industry’s premier career honor, begins today and runs through Oct. 14.

MYM Launches New Traffic System

German creator platform MYM has launched a new traffic system for its members.

Ukrainian Content Creators on Hook for Nearly $10M in Back Taxes

Content creators in Ukraine owe the equivalent of $9.3 million in back taxes, according to the country's State Tax Service.

Updated: European Patent Office Board of Appeals Revokes EIS GmbH Patent

The European Patent Office (EPO) Board of Appeals last week ruled in favor of pleasure brand LELO in the company's ongoing dispute with Satisfyer parent company EIS GmbH.

Eroutique Relaunches Site Through YourPaysitePartner

Eroutique has relaunched its official website through YourPaysitePartner (YPP).

Update: Pornhub Will Not Block Ohio, Despite AV Law

Pornhub parent company Aylo will not block access to its websites in Ohio, despite new state age verification rules that came into effect Sept. 30.

Pineapple Support, Pornhub to Host 'ADHD-Friendly' Support Group

Pineapple Support and Pornhub are hosting a free online support group for performers with ADHD.

Judge Dismisses Some Claims in 'Children of Pornhub' Trafficking Suit

A United States district judge on Friday dismissed some but not all claims against Aylo in a long-running case involving CSAM allegations featured in the influential 2020 New York Times article “The Children of Pornhub.”

Show More