Even though the network that gives life to the Internet is considered an interstate communications service, and therefore is under the regulatory watch of the FCC, companies like Verizon, AT&T, and Time Warner are trying their hardest to have these powers stripped in what some are calling a plan to “ruin the Internet.” While that may come across as misguided hyperbole to the ISPs and the kind of consumer who would openly praise AT&T’s 9/11 tweet as having nothing to do with advertising (yes, really) alike, after watching the lead video, if the ISPs gets their way, hyperbole could quickly become a hard, cold truth.
Verizon is currently at the focal point of the net neutrality argument, and with good reason. A couple of days ago, Verizon’s lawsuit against the FCC’s net neutrality rules began its hearing phase in front of a three-judge panel of the Washington D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. One of Verizon’s main arguments revolves around the freedom of speech; however, this concern isn’t for their subscribers accessing their content on the best Internet network possible. Instead, Verizon’s position is net neutrality impedes on the company’s right to free speech, which can apparently manifest itself in the form of controlling the flow of information based on who pays for the best delivery pipe.
Yes, really.
Showing favoritism to one type of content over another is a free speech issue, and net neutrality infringes on that. With that in mind, who says patent attorneys are the only legal trolls out there?
The video–which I urge you to watch–has a 30-minute run time. If, at any time, you’re confused about the message, or don’t quite get the concept of sarcasm and parody, the following quote from the supporting site’s Take Action page is quite revealing:
If you agree that your Internet Service Provider should not be making decisions for you about the Internet you get access to, the most important thing you can do right now is share this film with everyone you know, and help raise mass awareness of the importance of the open Internet and broadband access.
Vigilance on this issue, if you truly care about a neutral net, is constantly required.