2010-12-20 The Most Important Free Speech Issue of Our Time

Specs

Date:	2010-12-20
Link:	http://www.huffingtonpost.com/al-franken/the-most-important-free-s_b_798984.html
Author:	Al Franken (writingscat)
Source:	Huffington Post (articlescat)
Topics:	war on the internet Internet neutrality Federal Communications Commission
Categories:	war on the internet Internet neutrality Federal Communications Commission

The Most Important Free Speech Issue of Our Time

longer text

As a source of innovation, an engine of our economy, and a forum for our political discourse, the Internet can only work if it's a truly level playing field. Small businesses should have the same ability to reach customers as powerful corporations. A blogger should have the same ability to find an audience as a media conglomerate.

This principle is called "net neutrality" -- and it's under attack. Internet service giants like Comcast and Verizon want to offer premium and privileged access to the Internet for corporations who can afford to pay for it.

The good news is that the Federal Communications Commission has the power to issue regulations that protect net neutrality. The bad news is that draft regulations written by FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski don't do that at all. They're worse than nothing.

shorter text

“The good news is that the Federal Communications Commission has the power to issue regulations that protect net neutrality. The bad news is that draft regulations written by FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski don't do that at all. They're worse than nothing.”