Andre Yoskowitz
10 Aug 2010 0:34
Earlier today, Google and Verizon made headlines by unveiling a joint proposal for the future of net neutrality.
The plan calls for "a new, enforceable prohibition against discriminatory practices. This means that for the first time, wireline broadband providers would not be able to discriminate against or prioritize lawful Internet content, applications or services in a way that causes harm to users or competition."
Google and Verizon's proposal leaves open the ability for ISPs to charge Web sites extra if they offer certain services.
Almost immediately after the announcement, MoveOn.Org Civic Action, Credo Action, the Progressive Change Campaign Committee and ColorofChange.org released a statement describing how tens of millions of Americans would be harmed if the proposal was to be followed. The groups already have a petition with over 300,000 signatures protesting the proposal.
Most seem very upset by Google's turn against net neutrality, the concept that all sites and bandwidth on the Internet should be free of restrictions. Because smarpthones would be exempt from any of the future changes, many also see the proposal as a way to push Android well into the future.
The FCC responded to the proposal, mainly showing off its muscle in the discussion. Says Commissioner Michael J. Copps: "Some will claim this announcement moves the discussion forward. That’s one of its many problems. It is time to move a decision forward—a decision to reassert FCC authority over broadband telecommunications, to guarantee an open Internet now and forever, and to put the interests of consumers in front of the interests of giant corporations."