Internet: Why Net Neutrality Should Matter To Everyone
Relating to the entire internet:
Right now the FCC is considering a set of rules that would allow Internet providers to offer faster access to some websites that can afford to pay. We need to stop them...
Net neutrality means that Internet providers should treat all data that travels over their networks equally, rather than slowing down or even blocking access to sites of their choosing.
Good net neutrality rules would forbid Internet providers from discriminating against sites that cannot afford to pay a toll for preferential treatment, or sites that are critical of Internet providers or undermine their business models.
That threat is real. In 2005, for example, Canadian ISP Telus , blocked access to a website that was used to plan actions by the Telecommunications Workers Union during a strike. And in 2007, AT&T deleted Eddy Vedder’s criticism of George W. Bush during a webcasted Pearl Jam concert. Although AT&T was technically acting in the capacity of a content provider, content providers and Internet providers have merged dramatically in the past few years, resulting in the lines becoming uncomfortably blurred. This sort of censorship threatens both innovation and free speech.
Fighting for the Users
Right now the entire architecture of the Internet is under threat. The FCC is about to make a decision that will determine whether or not Internet providers will be allowed to offer faster access to some websites, while leaving others in the slow-lane.
We’re calling on the FCC to do the right thing and not allow for rampant discrimination online. Specifically, we’re telling the FCC that the Internet needs to be treated as part of our essential communications infrastructure, and that means regulating it as such to protect net neutrality.
Net neutrality is central to all of our efforts to protect and defend digital rights...
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Read the entire article: An Open Internet Is Essential to a Free Internet: Why Net Neutrality Should Matter To Everyone, September 10, 2014.
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Here in the US, the internet is under constant attack from both private companies and our own government. Net neutrality is on the brink of giving way to “internet fast lanes,” our wired and wireless service providers can’t wait to get rid of pesky competition, and Hollywood is doing its damnedest to pull the strings behind the scenes. Unfortunately, there’s no end in sight, and so we have no other option than to keep fighting. As always, you can make your voice heard by contacting the FCC, your representative, and your senators.
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