IRS vs. Internet freedom

>As some of you may know, the IRS is initiating regulation on electronic
>communications by nonprofits. Original proposals including making monitoring
>who nonprofits link to via their web sites and constituting links as
>possible lobbying violations. The IRS is considering the viability of
>issuing a range of "guidances" to the nonprofit sector that would possible
>restrict the use of the Internet by exempt organizations. No final decision
>has occurred as of yet, but a
> request for comments has been issued, and interested parties have only
>until the 13 February 2001 to submit their opinions. If you think this is
>un-important, imagine this: Your social service nonprofit loses it's
>501(c)(3) status for having a link that encourages youth to vote, or to
>advocate for social justice issues. Questions being raised by the IRS
>include:
>
>To what extent are statements made by subscribers to a forum, such as a
>listserv or newsgroup, attributable to an exempt organization that maintains
>the forum? Does attribution vary depending on the level of participation of
>the exempt organization in maintaining the forum (e.g., if the organization
>moderates discussion, acts as editor, etc.)?
>
>TechRocks [http://www.techrocks.org] and the Alliance for Justice
>[http://www.afj.org] has worked with NetVocate to develop an on-line
>campaign to mobilize support on this issue which could greatly impact the
>future of nonprofits. Speak out. Submitted your comments regarding this
>issue at SpeakOutIRS [http://www.SpeakOutIRS.org].
>
>Right now, the IRS is accepting comments on how to regulate nonprofits and
>electronic communications. This could affect nonprofits in many ways - from
>what web sites we can link to, to how we calculate our lobbying expenses.
>And, we only have until February 13 to make our voices heard!
>
>Please take a moment to learn more about the IRS Announcement at
>http://www.nonprofit-techworld.org/news/archive.php?id=9 or
>http://www.afj.org/news/irscommentreq_text.htm
>
>Then go to http://www.SpeakOutIRS.org and make your voice heard.
>
>This comment period is critical, especially with recent changes in the
>current government administration. If the IRS develops regulations that
>limit the ability of nonprofits to use electronic communication forms for
>advocacy, it will set the tone for the rest of this presidency, and perhaps
>longer.
>
>So speak out. Tell your friends. Tell your fellow staff members. Each voice
>counts.
>
>Alnisa Allgood
>Learn more: http://www.afj.org/news/irscommentreq_text.htm
>http://www.afj.org/fai/irs/index.cfm