Support Internet Freedom Act - Support Net Neutrality

Don't let big business turn the Internet into another version of cable TV, support the Internet Freedom Preservation Act of 2009 (H.R. 3458). This bill will make "Net Neutrality" ,one of the guiding principles behind the open Internet, the law of the land.

You can do so easily at:
http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/o/5996/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=831

Background:

Every day, the Internet becomes more and more central to the way we communicate and access media content here in the United States and around the world. The big companies that deliver the Internet to us -- like AT&T, Comcast and Verizon -- stand to gain an enormous amount of revenue in the coming years, and they are looking for even more ways to pocket big bucks.

How exactly would they do that? By charging fees that would allow some websites and content to download via an exclusive fast lane, while those that can't afford these fees are relegated to the slow lane. Some websites and applications would be blocked altogether, as the phone and cable companies decide which content and tools they want to offer us.

In fact, this is already happening. AT&T censored streaming video from a Pearl Jam concert. Comcast has blocked Internet software, and Verizon prevented a reproductive rights group from sending text messages to people who had requested them. Clearly, public policy is needed to ensure that the big companies can not discriminate on the web by censoring and blocking information we need to advance the issues we care about.

The beauty of the Internet, and its great innovation over conventional, mainstream media, is that it is open to everyone. An unlimited amount of information is available at everyone's fingertips when they access the web. Similarly, we can add our own content and voices to the web in a way that is not possible with radio, television and other traditional media.

But hundreds of lobbyists on Capitol Hill, employed by the telecommunications giants, are trying to change all that. Organizations like NOW could find their online efforts seriously impaired by this move to partition off (dare we say segregate?) the Internet.

Net Neutrality must become law to ensure that the Internet remains open to innovation, democratic participation, and a free exchange of ideas. The Internet Freedom Preservation Act is designed to ensure that this dynamic medium remains free from discrimination.

Don't let big business turn the Internet into another version of cable TV. This is OUR Internet, and we can save it.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• net neutrality
• internet freedom
• big business
• N.O.W
• save the Net
• activism
• government regulation
• free speech
• press
• Internet Neutrality