The latest proposal: The FCC wants to allow networks and carriers (Comcast!) to create fast lanes, in which certain content providers who pay for the privilege are given preferential treatment. Internet service providers (ISPs) have wanted this for a long time because it gives them the ability to speed up or slow down traffic to certain websites and increase their profit.
Essentially, those who can pay (Google, YouTube, Amazon) will get faster service and more internet visibility, and those who can’t (individuals, startups, artists) will be left with crumbs. Even without digging into specific examples, this seems inherently wrong. According to an article in the Huffington Post, “the net effect will be to tie creators to a small number of large platforms, reduce the choice and leverage of independent artists relative to corporate media, and make it harder for new or marginalized voices to be heard.”
And when you consider that Comcast is about to merge with Time Warner to become a major ISP and is the only ISP available in certain areas, the idea of giving Comcast even more control of the internet seems like a really bad idea. Concentrating power in the hands of a few is always dangerous.
This isn't just about myself as an author/entrepreneur, but as a consumer with a curious intellect who wants to be able to access a vast array of ideas on the internet—with equal speed.
The FCC seems to have lost its mind on both decisions. My personal opinion it that it should block the merger and drop the fast-lane idea. Consumers, who depend on the internet for information, social networking, and many purchases (books!), need a choice of providers and a level playing field.
I heard about this yesterday on NPR. WTF? I'm hoping cooler heads will prevail and understand that cable companies (for example) don't need more money. The internet is an amazing place for startups and imagination and free-form thought and experiment. Any regulation that attempts to benefit a few and foster no one pretty much sucks.
ReplyDeleteDid I just say "WTF" and "sucks" in public? Huh. It must reallly fit.
Thanks for commenting. I wish more people were outraged by this. But there's so much going on now, all resulting in a concentration of wealth and power, that it's overwhelming.
DeleteI have one question: which big business entity is funding this effort?
DeleteL.J., Agree without a doubt. In a world of bad ideas this one is a pip!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a dangerous idea overall :(
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a move in the wrong direction, and thanks for pointing this out, LJ. I didn't even realize this was happening.
ReplyDeleteThe FCC has not lost its mind. It is following directions. Look at the Supreme Court, starting in 2000, but most recently with Citizens United, Shelby, Schuette, and of course McCutcheon. Look at Hannity's marionette act (strings pulled by the Koch Brothers). Etc. The concentration of power is not coincidental. Ending net neutrality is part of the corporatist-Koch-etc. power grab. There's an argument to be made that Thomas Paine's pamphlet Common Sense did more for the American Revolution than Lexington & Concord, a real Tea Party, or even the Declaration.
ReplyDeleteNo, the FCC has not lost its mind. Its following orders.
Now that's scary. And sickening. Because it's most likely true.
DeleteAww, that's a shame! I found a new favorite author thanks to your blog. xoxoxo!
ReplyDelete