June 07, 2006
How to lose money and freedom in the same grab
Internet neutrality is the biggest crisis with the smallest headlines of the decade. The physical internet has been a common carrier since its inception, until the FCC threw it to phone and cable companies as a gift. It needs to be taken back, and Lawrence Lessig and Robert McChesney explain why. If you don't want to think this stuff through for yourself, there is no better guide than Lessig.
Anyone who uses the internet, and that obviously means you, needs to get involved in this. Not only are we at risk of having our pockets picked, we are liable to be blindfolded and deafened. Go here, send letters and emails as recommended, and get out your credit card: good practice for the non-deductible contributions you'll be making for the fall elections.
I think an important step would be to give the issue a better name than "net neutrality." That wonkish phrase means exactly nothing to most people.
Posted by: Bernard Yomtov at June 8, 2006 08:16 AMIf the grab succeeds in the USA, will it be followed elsewhere? Not necessarily. I'm sure telcos are just as greedy in Europe, but there would be strong resistance. Look at the fate of the software patents directive in the European Parliament. Cynical politicians like Chirac would see a chance to shift the centre of gravity of the Internet to Europe.
The USA could lock itself inside another Great Firewall of China, crimped not by censorship but by second-class access, while innovation moves to a friendlier environment. The move could seriously harm American competitivity in information technology.
Posted by: James Wimberley at June 8, 2006 08:52 AMI'll send letters and email. And since I am fully aware of how responsive both our government and our corporations are, I'll be packing my bags.
Posted by: Sarah at June 8, 2006 09:28 AMThanks for signing in, . Now you can comment. (sign out)
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