Forbes contributor Joanna Belbey recently summarized Washington, DC Communication partner Glenn Richards’ presentation at an April event, “MONage: The Future of Communications.” In his presentation, Richards analyzes why government regulations are important for consumers and illustrated ways for the technology community to become more compliant.

Because “innovators may outpace or even ignore regulators,” Richards recommends that organizations be proactive by reviewing regulations that affect their products or services and develop them with that in mind. He gave four reasons for why regulations exist: consumer protection, public safety, level playing field and taxes.

Richards also provided seven steps the industry can in order to stay “on the right side of the government and regulations when it comes to social media and other new technology.”

Read these seven steps and a more in-depth explanation for why regulations exist on Forbes.