All but assuring that the internet willl play a greater role in American politics, the Federal Election Commission on Monday ruled, in a 6-0 decision that political communication on the internet, including the use of blogs, websites and email by individuals or groups - even in coordination with a candidate - was not regulated by campaign finance laws, reports the New York Times. The FEC said specifically that blog content, just like newspaper coverage, is exempt from the campaign finance law.
"The commission established a categorical exemption for individuals who engage in online politics," Michael E. Toner, FEC chairman, is quoted as having said. "The agency has taken an important step in protecting grassroots and online politics."
The FEC also ruled, however, that paid political advertisements on websites are in fact covered by the 2002 campaign finance law, which restricts spending and contributions and bars unions and corporations from using their own money to buy online advertising.
