Okay so this debate has been going on for a while, and I’m pretty sure everyone on the Earth would be all for net Neutrality. Apparently there is the REAL possibility of internet providers taking over though, so I thought it was interesting to see what was being done about this threat:
A Note to Google Users on Net Neutrality:
The Internet as we know it is facing a serious threat. There’s a debate heating up in Washington, DC on something called “net neutrality” – and it’s a debate that’s so important Google is asking you to get involved. We’re asking you to take action to protect Internet freedom.
In the next few days, the House of Representatives is going to vote on a bill that would fundamentally alter the Internet. That bill, and one that may come up for a key vote in the Senate in the next few weeks, would give the big phone and cable companies the power to pick and choose what you will be able to see and do on the Internet.
Today the Internet is an information highway where anybody – no matter how large or small, how traditional or unconventional – has equal access. But the phone and cable monopolies, who control almost all Internet access, want the power to choose who gets access to high-speed lanes and whose content gets seen first and fastest. They want to build a two-tiered system and block the on-ramps for those who can’t pay.
Creativity, innovation and a free and open marketplace are all at stake in this fight. Please call your representative (202-224-3121) and let your voice be heard.
Thanks for your time, your concern and your support.
Eric Schmidt
Well that’s all well and good what what exactly is Google doing about it I wonder?? They’ve already allowed China and Cuba to restrict users from accessing sensitive data…
Anyway there’s a site dedicated to ’saving the internet’ over here, which explains what the term actually means and the threat facing freedom of access on the internet. I’m assuming this is only happening in the USA for now based on its blog and the companies involved…:
Comcast was caught red-handed secretly discriminating against innovative technologies used for high-definition online TV, using the same censorship technology the Chinese government uses to block free speech. This discriminatory behavior represents the most blatant and outrageous violation of consumer choice in the history of the Internet.
Based on this clear-cut case against Comcast, a bipartisan majority of the FCC issued a guilty verdict. Commissioner McDowell, however, dissented, using almost every inaccurate argument made by Comcast to defend his decision.
…but seriousl,y how soon will it be before providers decide to block access to sensitive data?? Do you think it will happen at all?? I think it is definitely a real threat to think about…the internet is an extremely powerful medium that helps us go about our daily lives but at what cost will providers forgo for the sake of freedom of speech?
