The End of Net Neutrality?

Linus · 08-13-2010, 08:40 AM

As some of you may be aware, Google and Verizon have recently begun talks about ending Net Neutrality. This concept -- Net Neutrality -- means that all internet packets (traffic) travels at the same rate and there is no preference of one type of traffic over another. The idea of removing this neutrality will result in different speeds to various sites (e.g., paid sites will receive faster and priority access while non-paid sites will not receive that kind of quality of service or QOS).

My biggest concern is that this will separate the online world into two classes: those that pay and those that cannot (e.g., libraries, non-profits). For the longest time, the great thing about the Net was the fact that there was no preference or "isms" when it came to the transference of info (granted there is classism by having a computer).

Additional to this, sites like ours (a little not-so-big site that is made for the sake of a community) may suffer from this kind of thing. I can see this hurting minority groups of various walks of life by removing that equalization between groups and individuals.

You can sign a petition here: https://secure.freepress.net/site/Ad...rAction&id=277

I really do think that this could be worse than the advent of advertising on the Net (I do remember fondly days when there was no advertising and it was all about sharing of info).

UofMfan · 08-13-2010, 08:49 AM

I agree Linus, this is very disturbing.

I dislike Google to no end, this just confirms my dislike. They sell your information, privacy is an illusion, etc, these are only some of the things they are guilty of.

I got a Gmail account and only use it for junk stuff. I refuse to use their search engine and I urge anyone who is concerned about Net Neutrality to not only sign the petition, but boycott them in any way shape or form.

suebee · 08-13-2010, 10:13 AM

The whole philosophy behind the internet was freedom of exchange of information - initially between academics, but eventually we all benefitted. I'll sign the petition and boycott google. But it was bound to come to this sooner or later don't you think? Where there's a buck to be made.....

Linus · 08-13-2010, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suebee

The whole philosophy behind the internet was freedom of exchange of information - initially between academics, but eventually we all benefitted. I'll sign the petition and boycott google. But it was bound to come to this sooner or later don't you think? Where there's a buck to be made.....

But how do you enforce it? Given that the Internet boundaries are beyond the US. And if I don't use Verizon but use AT&T (and their network) will I be affected by what Verizon/Google do?

UofMfan · 05-05-2011, 11:07 AM

Net Neutrality "is a fundamental design principle" put in place at the inception of the Internet to ensure that everyone had equal access to information online, and that the network would foster innovation and ideas. "We want to preserve that," Franken said...

Link to the entire article below.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/timoth..._b_857978.html

pajama · 05-05-2011, 11:25 AM

Done. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. I agree that this would strongly limit the free flow of information.

08-13-2010, 08:40 AM	#1
Linus The Planet's Technical Bubba How Do You Identify?: FTM Preferred Pronoun?: He/Him/Geek Relationship Status: Married to my forever! Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Redondo Beach, CA Posts: 5,440 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 2,929 Thanked 10,727 Times in 3,172 Posts Rep Power: 21474857	The End of Net Neutrality? As some of you may be aware, Google and Verizon have recently begun talks about ending Net Neutrality. This concept -- Net Neutrality -- means that all internet packets (traffic) travels at the same rate and there is no preference of one type of traffic over another. The idea of removing this neutrality will result in different speeds to various sites (e.g., paid sites will receive faster and priority access while non-paid sites will not receive that kind of quality of service or QOS). My biggest concern is that this will separate the online world into two classes: those that pay and those that cannot (e.g., libraries, non-profits). For the longest time, the great thing about the Net was the fact that there was no preference or "isms" when it came to the transference of info (granted there is classism by having a computer). Additional to this, sites like ours (a little not-so-big site that is made for the sake of a community) may suffer from this kind of thing. I can see this hurting minority groups of various walks of life by removing that equalization between groups and individuals. You can sign a petition here: https://secure.freepress.net/site/Ad...rAction&id=277 I really do think that this could be worse than the advent of advertising on the Net (I do remember fondly days when there was no advertising and it was all about sharing of info). __________________ Personal Blog \|\| [] \|\| Cigar Blog "We become Human Doings instead of Human Beings." -- Ram Dass

08-13-2010, 10:13 AM	#3
suebee Member How Do You Identify?: TOWANDA! Preferred Pronoun?: Queen Bee Relationship Status: Good 'n married. Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Eastern Canada. But if I make a wrong turn at the lights I get stopped by a border guard. Posts: 1,499 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 2,355 Thanked 2,756 Times in 820 Posts Rep Power: 16450092	The whole philosophy behind the internet was freedom of exchange of information - initially between academics, but eventually we all benefitted. I'll sign the petition and boycott google. But it was bound to come to this sooner or later don't you think? Where there's a buck to be made..... __________________ "Compassion, in which all ethics must take root, can only attain its full breadth and depth if it embraces all living creatures and does not limit itself to mankind." -Albert Schweitzer

05-05-2011, 11:07 AM	#5
UofMfan Infamous Member How Do You Identify?: Butch Relationship Status: A very happy Mr. Grumpy Cat Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Neither here or there Posts: 7,987 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 27,733 Thanked 18,937 Times in 4,705 Posts Rep Power: 21474859	Update. Net Neutrality "is a fundamental design principle" put in place at the inception of the Internet to ensure that everyone had equal access to information online, and that the network would foster innovation and ideas. "We want to preserve that," Franken said... Link to the entire article below. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/timoth..._b_857978.html

08-13-2010, 08:49 AM	#2
UofMfan Infamous Member How Do You Identify?: Butch Relationship Status: A very happy Mr. Grumpy Cat Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Neither here or there Posts: 7,987 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 27,733 Thanked 18,937 Times in 4,705 Posts Rep Power: 21474859	I agree Linus, this is very disturbing. I dislike Google to no end, this just confirms my dislike. They sell your information, privacy is an illusion, etc, these are only some of the things they are guilty of. I got a Gmail account and only use it for junk stuff. I refuse to use their search engine and I urge anyone who is concerned about Net Neutrality to not only sign the petition, but boycott them in any way shape or form.

05-05-2011, 11:25 AM	#6
pajama Senior Member How Do You Identify?: Klingon Preferred Pronoun?: She Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Just South of Nashvegas Baby Posts: 3,115 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 7,546 Thanked 7,476 Times in 1,808 Posts Rep Power: 21474855	Done. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. I agree that this would strongly limit the free flow of information.