Tim Wu: The Net Neutrality Pioneer Making Waves in New York Politics
From Academia to the Ballot Box
Tim Wu, the Columbia Law professor credited with coining the term “net neutrality,” is making an unconventional bid for New York’s Democratic lieutenant governor nomination. Known for his intellectual rigor and candid speaking style, Wu represents a stark contrast to typical political candidates.
The Uphill Battle
With the primary election approaching, Wu and his running mate Zephyr Teachout face:
- A lawsuit challenging their candidacies
- An open race (current Lt. Gov. Robert Duffy isn’t seeking re-election)
- The challenge of running against Governor Cuomo’s political machine
Wu recently launched a Tilt crowdfunding campaign to raise $100,000 to fight the legal challenge, expressing confidence they’ll prevail despite the costs.
A Tech-First Political Platform
During an interview at Tilt’s offices, Wu explained his vision for bringing tech issues into mainstream politics:
- Spectrum auctions: Advocating for rules that prevent carrier monopolies
- Bitcoin regulation: Developing sensible cryptocurrency policies
- Net neutrality: His signature issue (more below)
“I’m obsessed with building a platform that addresses tech issues that never get political attention,” Wu told TechCrunch.
The Net Neutrality Fight Continues
Wu, who named the concept in his seminal 2003 paper, shared insights on the current FCC battle:
- Current Status: The FCC is crafting new rules after courts struck down previous regulations
- Wheeler’s Challenges: The chairman faces strong opposition to proposed “paid prioritization” rules
- Title II Solution: Growing support for classifying ISPs as utilities under Title II
“The Internet sector is the golden goose of the American economy,” Wu emphasized, arguing that strong net neutrality protections are essential for innovation.
The Road Ahead
While no polls exist yet, Wu believes the race is “neck and neck.” If he wins the nomination but Teachout doesn’t, he’d run alongside Governor Cuomo—an awkward pairing given Wu’s criticism of Cuomo’s administration.
Regardless of the election outcome, Wu’s campaign is already shifting the conversation about technology’s role in governance and policy.
Image credit: Flickr/Digital Media (CC BY 2.0)
