Net Neutrality (UPDATE)

[Ewan]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_neutrality

I've been trying to follow this for awhile now. From what I've gathered, the EU is voting on the Telecoms Package this Wednesday, and if the vote goes one way it will give ISPs a lot more control over what goes down, including allowing them to block any site they don't want their customers visiting. This seems to pose a pretty serious threat to online freedom.

Save The Internet website: http://www.savetheinternet.com/

Telecoms Package wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telecoms_Package

The proposition also makes it possible for Internet service providers (ISP) to decide which web pages users are allowed to visit,[citation needed] potentially limiting access to websites critical of the ISP or the government. ISPs would then sell internet packages, similar to TV packages, allowing access to a limited number of websites.[citation needed] Critics claim this will limit freedom of speech on the Internet.[11]

Latest update from Net Neutrality campaigners on youtube (definitely worth watching): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2T-SBdtWEjI

Anyone have any opinions on this?

[Falco Girgis]

Oh, I totally agree. I have always been a supporter of net neutrality. That's like a library trying to block information from being read just because they disagree with the message. I call bullshit.

[gordon]

I agree but sadly the politicians will do what they want anyway. They may say they work for us but really......

[programmerinprogress]

I totally agree with complete and utter net neutrality, but I don't think we're totally doomed...

Firstly, I think I think that such a bill WILL be stopped by those committed to keeping it away, I mean think about it, if they passed this, could you imagine the outcry from intellectuals of the world?, and all of those people who make money from a fair and free internet?

Secondly, if they did manage to pass such a bill, I seriosuly doubt the geniuses of this world (or anyone else for that matter) would let this stop them, i'm sure that they would start up a new network, and enlist the help of more liberal ISPs, I don't think that governments realise how powerful the collective bargaining of almost 20 years of internet users all over the world is.

But we'll see, and I will digest some of the information you have kindly trawled the internet for

[Ewan]

Definitely agree with you PIP. Some folks I've talked to have also predicted a 'hacker uprising' if something like this in put in place. Damn, that could be awesome.

[Ewan]

UPDATE:

The Telecoms Package has successfully been blocked! VICTORY! For now, anyway!

Reuters article:

http://uk.reuters.com/article/hotStocks ... 0820090506

[MarauderIIC]

Yay!

[gordon]

Excellent. They'll be back though.

[Ewan]

Excellent. They'll be back though.

Yep But we'll fight it back again

[eatcomics]

I think it's almost time for some ninja mode... People may just go missing

[avansc]

not sure about the story completely, just turned on the news and caught some of it.

apparently they are gonna give the blown clown (obama) (no thats not racist) the power to "cut off" certain parts of the internet if the government thinks that they are unsafe.

[dandymcgee]

not sure about the story completely, just turned on the news and caught some of it.

apparently they are gonna give the blown clown (obama) (no thats not racist) the power to "cut off" certain parts of the internet if the government thinks that they are unsafe.

What?!

[avansc]

http://www.examiner.com/x-7062-Portland ... e-internet

[dandymcgee]

That is not okay with me. There's no legal way something to that extent could happen any time soon.. I hope?

[Ginto8]

http://www.examiner.com/x-7062-Portland ... e-internet

If that becomes a reality, everyone on this forum should band together and form an underground rebellion! BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!