Last week, Internet Works hosted our first-ever Virginia lobby day, bringing the unique perspectives of Middle Tech to policymakers in Richmond.  As the only voice for medium-sized Internet companies that span the digital ecosystem, our goal was simple: to demonstrate that the tech industry is not a monolith and advocate for thoughtful, right-sized tech policy. 

Representatives from member companies eBay, Etsy, Dropbox, Indeed, Reddit, Roblox, Sabre, and TripAdvisor joined the inaugural event, and we were honored to have Delegate Michelle Maldonado and her team officially welcome us to the Virginia Assembly on the house floor. 

Virginia Del. Michelle Maldonado welcomes Internet Works to the Virginia Assembly on the house floor

In total, the group met with 10 legislative offices to discuss critical issues including artificial intelligence, social media safety, and sales tax-related issues.  Our conversations focused on ensuring that regulations account for the diverse products and services in the tech ecosystem.  Whether it is  AI deployment and integration or content moderation, tech policy needs to be tailored to avoid one-size-fits-all legislation to preserve a competitive marketplace, promote clear compliance obligations, and balance enforcement and reporting mechanisms.   

Internet Works members with VA Delegate Alfonso Lopez

Internet Works is making headway through tangible policy wins on the ground.  We have approached our advocacy as an opportunity to work with lawmakers to craft smarter legislation.  In our meetings, we proposed specific, targeted language to ensure bills being considered in the State House are effective and implemented as intended.  We’ve already seen some of this language incorporated in bills under consideration, which only underscores the value of Internet Works’ engagement to provide practical feedback based on real word experiences to help lawmakers understand a more holistic view of the digital economy. 

Beyond the legislative meetings, we focused on building lasting relationships with the staff and members who keep the General Assembly running.  We wrapped the day by hosting a Middle Tech mixer event where more than 60 legislative staffers came to connect with Internet Works. 

IW Reception with Board Chair Caitlin Brosseau from Tripadvisor, and Executive Director Peter Chandler

This inaugural Virginia lobby day established Internet Works as a trusted resource for Virginia lawmakers.  We are committed to fostering these crucial discussions in tech policy to ensure that the Internet remains a place of limitless opportunity for the millions of users and small businesses who rely on Middle Tech platforms.  

Thank you to all of the member companies who participated, and TripAdvisor and Roblox for helping sponsor the event.