Net Neutrality Opposition Accelerates

Opposition to the FCC’s proposed new rules on net neutrality is growing and respected technology voices seem to agree that the internet as we know it is in jeopardy. (UPDATE: FCC Denies Desertion of Net Neutrality).

It’s an understatement to say that internet-savvy people are opposing this idea and this opposition is accelerating. Imagine the nascent Internet of Things space working only for those companies that can afford to pay for fast access to a consumer’s home (so their “things” can talk to a server easily). Or, while most of us love Netflix, what if an up-and-coming movie startup wanted to compete? Unless they could pony up big bucks for peering arrangements with major internet service providers, their service would always be inferior to Netflix (or the on-demand offerings by the cable providers, who own the servers directly connected to their network!).

If you care about an open internet that stays a level playing field and continues to drive innovation, you will find two ways to get involved below. Ways which will take you only a few minutes of your time.

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler is circulating a proposal for new FCC rules on the issue of network neutrality, the idea that Internet service providers (ISPs) should treat all data that travels over their networks equally.

— Electronic Frontier Foundation: FCC’s New Rules Could Threaten Net Neutrality

Not exactly a staunch defender of internet freedoms or anything “open”, The Wall Street Journal was the first news organization to break the story on the proposed FCC rules, “Regulators are proposing new rules on Internet traffic that would allow broadband providers to charge companies a premium for access to their fastest lanes.”

— The Wall Street Journal: FCC to Propose New ‘Net Neutrality’ Rules

“Political cowardice set the FCC up to lose its first battle for net neutrality regulation: the rules that keep the internet as you know it free and open. The idea of net neutrality is that all traffic is created equal — whether it’s a movie streaming from Netflix, or a WhatsApp message, or a Tweet, or a round of Titanfall. But according to a report from the Wall Street Journal, the FCC is now considering new rules that tear down the fundamental principle of net neutrality. The proposal would allow profit-hungry behemoths like Comcast, AT&T, and Verizon to become gatekeepers that give preferential treatment to companies that pay the most for special access to internet users.“

— The Verge: It’s time for the FCC to stand up for Americans

TWO WAYS TO MAKE
YOUR VOICE HEARD

1) Sign the petition at WhiteHouse.gov here:

About the Petition: Maintain true net neutrality to protect the freedom of information in the United States.

True net neutrality means the free exchange of information between people and organizations. Information is key to a society’s well being. One of the most effective tactics of an invading military is to inhibit the flow of information in a population; this includes which information is shared and by who. Today we see this war being waged on American citizens.

Recently the FCC has moved to redefine “net neutrality” to mean that corporations and organizations can pay to have their information heard, or worse, the message of their competitors silenced. We as a nation must settle for nothing less than complete neutrality in our communication channels. This is not a request, but a demand by the citizens of this nation. No bandwidth modifications of information based on content or its source.

2) Take action at Freepress’ Save The Internet page here:

“The Federal Communications Commission is proposing rules that would kill — rather than protect — Net Neutrality and allow rampant discrimination online. Under these rules, telecom giants like AT&T, Comcast and Verizon would be able to pick winners and losers online and discriminate against online content and applications. We must stop the FCC from moving forward with these rules.”