allyourpixel

For those of you who haven't heard, large telecommunications companies like AT&T, Verizon, and Comcast are trying to change how the internet works. Historically, innovation and free speech have thrived on the internet because anyone who wants to can participate equally. But now, instead of offering unbiased service to all web sites, these companies want to offer preferred service to corporate web sites that pay them money, leaving small sites (that can't afford such payola) out in the cold. It would be good for their shareholders, which is why they've launched a multi-million dollar lobbying campaign to make Congress let them get away with it. But it would be very bad for the public.

Luckily, there are people fighting to prevent this abuse. For instance, I wrote a letter to one of my senators, Sen. Barbara Boxer, and I received a reply that made me proud to be a constituent of hers:

As a longtime advocate for network neutrality, I believe that network operators should facilitate, not stifle, Americans' access to the Internet. Consumers will suffer if network operators are allowed to discriminate against their competitors' use of the network by giving certain content preferential treatment.

I believe that individuals' ability to define and shape their experiences on the Internet has led to an explosion of creativity that has greatly benefited our economy and our lives. I fear that if network operators abandon the principle of network neutrality, the next generation of Internet innovators will be harmed... please be assured that I will continue working to ensure that the Internet remains an engine of growth for commerce and ideas.

How cool is that?!? Also, there's a broad coalition called "Save the Internet" that's fighting for internet freedom... they have a great F.A.Q. and a list of ways you can help.

Also, beware of the FUD that the AT&T/Verizon/Comcast axis is trying to spread. They have a campaign called "hands off the internet" that's trying to convince people that Net Neutrality is somehow bad, but if you look carefully you'll notice that their arguments are suspiciously devoid of any coherent logic. It's just greed, masquerading as principle.