Number: RS20688
Title: Instant Messaging on the Internet: Interoperability Issues of Competition and Fair Access
Authors: Jeffrey W. Seifert, Resources, Science, and Industry Division 
Abstract: Instant Messaging (IM) is one of the fastest growing Internet applications. The recent debate about IM is related to the broad issues of open access rules and competition in the high speed Internet service and cable television markets. Although IM technology has evolved largely independent of formal regulation, a review of the pending AOL-Time Warner merger has brought issues of interoperability among IM services under scrutiny both in the U.S. and Europe. Concerns about fair access, and accessibility for the disabled, are being raised by Members of Congress, the FTC, the FCC, and the European Commission. These issues highlight the growing complexity of regulating converging technologies. This report discusses the technology behind instant messaging and provides an overview of the issues.
Pages: 6
Date: Updated March 28, 2002