Monday, June 12, 2006

Lawmakers playing favorites among Internet providers?

'Net neutrality' dominates debate

"Most Americans believe that if you play fair and work hard, you'll get ahead. But this notion is threatened by legislation passed Thursday night by the U.S. House of Representatives that would allow Internet service providers to play favorites among different Web sites."



The words above were written by Craig Newmark, the founder and customer service representative of craigslist.org, an online community that helps people find jobs, places to live or other services unique to their city. Newmark wants some assurances that the Internet will remain "fair and free." He's concerned that telecommunications executives want to turn the Internet into a "money-making regime."

To read Newmark's commentary in its entirety, click here. For an opposing point of view, check out an op-ed piece by Mike McCurry, a co-chairman of Hands off the Internet, a coalition of telecommunication-related businesses. McCurry's commentary is titled Upgrading the 'creaky' Internet.

Related: House passes telecommunications bill


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4 comments:

S A J Shirazi said...

Strange!

Deb Sistrunk Nelson said...

Shi: This should make for an interesting debate.

Georganna Hancock M.S. said...

Newmark's words are rather ironic, because the Internet already is a "money-making regime". It's only available to those who can afford: equipment, connection, server space, software. The notion that it's "fair and free" is an illusion. It all costs and we all pay, one way or another. Thanks for providing sources for Newmark's comments and others'.

Deb Sistrunk Nelson said...

Georganna: Great points!