How Trump Will Turn America’s Open Internet Into An Ugly Version of China’s
Right now, there are red blocks holding white text all over the internet: “URGENT: If you’re not freaking out about Net Neutrality right now, you’re not paying attention.”
Here’s some background: when we go online, we expect to be able to access any websites that we wish to reach. We don’t expect our internet service providers to manipulate the speed at which we can view this information, or even block content outright. Launching from that idea, in 2015, the Federal Communications Commission adopted rules to ensure that internet service is regulated as a utility, meaning that access to web content is consistent—neutral, fair—across the board, and in theory free from profit-driven meddling by cable companies.
Do you like Pearl Jam? Without net neutrality rules, AT&T censored their livestream after Eddie Vedder criticized then-president George W. Bush. AT&T also blocked the usage of Apple’s video chat service, FaceTime, in their network, so that customers would have to pay for more expensive data plans. Verizon blocked messages sent by abortion rights group NARAL, saying that their content was too controversial.
But it’s not just about consuming content. Imagine not being able to converse with a friend or loved one, based solely on their political outspokenness, for “attacking the system.” Imagine a much-needed communications app disappearing from service without warning—just like how Skype was removed earlier this week from Apple and Android’s app stores in China. Like the dictators who expend vast resources to quash dissidence—think China’s Xi Jinping or Russia’s Vladimir Putin—the FCC is moving to tear up America’s guarantee of a free internet.
The man behind this move is Ajit Pai, the chairman of the FCC, who took up his post on January 23, three days after Donald J. Trump moved into the White House. In March, Trump said that Pai would be renominated to serve an additional five years as FCC chairman, and the Senate confirmed this term in October.
Just a little over a month after his confirmation, Pai is making moves to dismantle freedom in America. (It’s worth noting that Pai previously worked as associate general counsel for Verizon Communications, one of the companies that would benefit greatly if his plan is pushed forward. It’s also worth noting that FCC commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel has spoken out against Pai’s plan.)
This smacks of authoritarianism, especially for those who have actually lived under conditions where free expression is limited or even actively suppressed. Has there been a more concerted effort to make America’s internet look like China’s? (Or Egypt’s? Or Russia’s?)… Source
dannyfantom12: As opposed to the non-ugly Chinese internet?
FCC plans to repeal Net Neutrality rules over Thanksgiving
While Americans are busy traveling, paying attention to Black Friday deals, and spending time with family, the Federal Communications Commission will be rolling out its least popular proposal of the year: its final plan to dismantle net neutrality — the set of rules that prevent internet providers from giving some websites and internet traffic an advantage over others. According to The Wall Street Journal, the FCC is expected to unveil its proposal this week, less than three months after the public comment period ended on the initial proposal. The process generated 22 million comments for the commission to read and consider…. Source
The FCC’s next meeting, where it votes on proposals, is December 14th. That’s when it’s expected to vote on its plan to reverse net neutrality.
Scheduling the net neutrality announcement for Thanksgiving week may be a coincidence, but it certainly seems like the FCC is trying to release this plan at a time when it’ll be harder for net neutrality advocates to give it their full attention.
Republicans finally set a date to kill Net Neutrality
The FCC on Tuesday finally rolled out its plan to kill off net neutrality. There’s a strong chance that doing so will screw over millions of American consumers and lead to a rise in online censorship across the US…. Source
DevilfishJack: The date is December 14.
shimaken: Ajit Pai has the world’s #1 punchable face.
Blake_Cobalt: Seriously how can anyone in authority come out with such total doublethink? The Internet hasn’t been around “for decades”. Once net neutrality is gone, the brainwashing will commence and within ten years the USA will be a dictatorship like Russia where you have elections only in name.
grandtraversegardens: Just think, all the next Democratic presidential candidate will need to say to get elected. “I will reinstate net neutrality.”
pieler: As much as I disagree with the bill, republicans are not the only ones at fault here. Fuck you Claire McCaskill.
ExpendableHumanBeing: I stopped reading after the first paragraph. Does anyone proofread anything anymore?
Johnisfaster: Thats a really poorly written article.
Temenes: >Filed to: CARTOON VILLAINY
Savage
grandtraversegardens: Or just get Russia to rig the election in their favor.
5ilverMaples: what tf is wrong w these people?
zaaad: Republicans?
Yes, this universal socket wrench that can grip onto basically any shape
Whaddaya Say?