Last week, Internet Works hosted our 2026 Washington D.C. Lobby Days, bringing the essential perspective of Middle Tech directly to federal policymakers and administration officials. Once overlooked in the tech policy landscape, this perspective from medium-sized companies was on the forefront of policy conversations as we advocated for thoughtful, right-sized legislation that preserves the Internet as a place of limitless possibilities.
Representatives from across our membership joined for two busy days that brought us to every corner of Washington. Together, our coalition met with congressional leaders and their staff, holding 30 meetings to advocate for bills we have endorsed like the Focus on Learning Act, Ending Coercion of Children and Harm Online (ECCHO) Act, and Stop Sexploitation Act. We also held impactful conversations about legislation that will keep kids safe online, strengthen competition in the tech industry, and advance AI innovation.
Advocating for Right-Sized Domestic Policy
Throughout our meetings on the Hill, we urged policymakers to prioritize tailored, risk-based compliance obligations that recognize the differing business missions of Middle Tech companies in comparison to Big Tech. We emphasized the unintended consequences of one-size-fits-all regulations that often cement the market dominance of large tech companies. Many of our conversations focused on:
- Section 230: Defending the legal certainty that protects free expression and allowing Middle Tech companies to enforce platform guidelines and policies to protect users.
- Privacy & Data Security: Urging Congress to pass a single, comprehensive national privacy law that eliminates the costly and confusing patchwork of state-level regulation frameworks.
- Artificial Intelligence: Promoting a risk-based AI framework that provides legal certainty and distinguishes the differences between developers and implementers.
IW member companies also had high-level administration meetings, including critical discussions with the White House, the Federal Communications Commission, the Department of Commerce, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, and the Federal Trade Commission.
Defending Middle Tech on the Global Stage
Digital trade policy directly impacts our members’ ability to scale and deliver services across international markets. During our meetings we highlighted the urgent need to advance U.S. policies globally, particularly in pushing back against regulatory overreach abroad. We discussed the potential harm from foreign compliance burdens that function as a trade barrier for Middle Tech companies, including Digital Services Taxes (DSTs) and the European Union’s Digital Services Act. We had thoughtful engagement with Administration officials on how best to collaborate to advance our shared goals of protecting U.S. innovation abroad.
Partnering With Lawmakers Every Step of The Way
Internet Works is proud of our approach to work alongside lawmakers to advance legislation that protects the future of the digital economy.
We mixed up more than just great policy conversation on Capitol Hill – hosting IW’s cornerstone Middle Tech Mixer. The mixer was a huge success, bringing together industry leaders, Hill staffers, and Members of Congress to connect.
A major highlight of of the evening was presenting our 2026 Trailblazers in Innovation Awards to four standout lawmakers who are leading the charge on smart, right-sized tech policy:
- Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD)
- Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR)
- Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA-07)
- Congressman Jay Obernolte (R-CA-23)
These congressional leaders are shaping smart AI frameworks, defending Section 230, and guiding Congress toward balanced tech policies that protect users while fostering innovation, and it was our honor to present them with this award. Thank you to everyone who joined us for a Middle “Tech-quila” margarita and to our awardees for their dedication to preserving the Internet as a safe, open, and innovative place for all.
By bringing Middle Tech to the table, Internet Works continues to fight for policies that drive economic growth, protect user safety, and expand consumer choice. A special thanks to all of our member companies who joined us to make this lobby day a resounding success!