Internet Freedom

What Next In The Campaign To Save The Internet?

May 16, 2014 Kevin Zeese and Margaret Flowers, www.PopularResistance.org Resist! Internet, Internet Freedom, Organize

The next four months are going to determine the future of the Internet. Will it remain free and open with equal access to all? There are powerful corporate interests that want to profit even more from the Internet at the expense of the public interest. But as a result of our work this week, we now have an opportunity to create the Internet we want. So, how do we change the political culture? What actions outside of the rulemaking process can we take to make the reality we want to see becomes an inevitable reality? How do we make it impossible for the FCC to ignore the will of the people on this essential First Amendment issue of the 21st Century? We want your ideas. We know that the thinking of many are more powerful than the minds of a few. Not only do we want your suggestions, we encourage you to take autonomous action. We urge you to organize actions on your own, suggest actions and join actions.

Will Obama Be The President That Destroys The Internet?

May 16, 2014 Haley Sweetland Edwards, www.time.com Educate! Barack Obama, Internet, Internet Freedom

Barack Obama was crystal clear during the 2008 campaign about his commitment to ensuring equal treatment of all online content over American broadband lines. “I will take a backseat to no one in my commitment to network neutrality,” Obama told a crowd at Google in 2008. “Because once providers start to privilege some applications or websites over others then the smaller voices get squeezed out and we all lose.” But on Thursday, the President made no public statement when three Democrats he appointed to the FCC voted to move forward with a plan to allow broadband carriers to provide an exclusive “fast lane” to commercial companies that pay extra fees to get their content transmitted online. Instead, White House aides released a press release distancing the President from the decision. “The FCC is an independent agency, and we will carefully review their proposal,” Press Secretary Jay Carney wrote to reporters after the vote. “We will be watching closely as the process moves forward in hopes that the final rule stays true to the spirit of net neutrality.”

Websites Throttle FCC Staffers To Protest Gutting Of Net Neutrality

May 16, 2014 Robert McMillan, www.wired.com Resist! FCC, Internet, Internet Freedom

Various companies and organizations have added code to their websites that kicks in whenever there’s a visit from someone who works at the FCC. While everyone else is enjoying these websites at ordinary broadband speeds, this code ensures that FCC staffers view them at dial-up speeds reminiscent of the 1990s. The online protest is the brainchild of Kyle Drake, a Portland-based software developer. “If it bothers you that I’m doing this, I want to point out that everyone is going to be doing crap like this after the FCC rips apart Net Neutrality,” Drake wrote on his blog. ‘If it bothers you that I’m doing this, I want to point out that everyone is going to be doing crap like this after the FCC rips apart net neutrality.’ He posted the code to his website on May 9, saying he would throttle the FCC’s bandwidth until the agency paid him $1,000 per year to get what he calls his “Ferengi plan,” a tip of the hat to the unscrupulous money-grubbing Star Trek aliens. Now countless others are using his code.

People Powered Action Changed The FCC Agenda

May 16, 2014 David Dayen, www.newrepublic.com Resist! Internet, Internet Freedom

People power did this—Over 3.4 million Internet users took action in some form against the FCC’s proposed ruled in the past three weeks, according to Free Press President and CEO Craig Aaron. Dozens of protesters “occupied” the FCC, camping out for a week in tents, joined by hundreds in a mass rally today outside the meeting room. The grassroots pressure got tech firms off the sidelines. Over 100 of them, including Google, Facebook and Amazon, publicly opposed Chairman Wheeler’s rules, arguing that the rules should not allow “individualized bargaining and discrimination.” Meanwhile, the telecoms could not even round up the same support they had in 2010, when the FCC last proposed open Internet rules. Then, 74 House Democrats joined a letter opposing net neutrality; this time, the telecoms could find only 20 Democrats to back them, while 34 other House Democrats publicly endorsed Title II reclassification. The effect of all this work could be seen in the actions of Democratic FCC Commissioners Jessica Rosenworcel and Mignon Clyburn...

#WaveOfAction to #SaveTheInternet Protests In 20 Cities Thursday

May 14, 2014 Staff, www.WaveOfAction.org Resist! Internet, Internet Freedom

It's on!! The #WaveOfAction to #SaveTheInternet will sweep through 20 cities tomorrow, May 15th. There will be a large rally at the FCC in DC beginning at 9am. There will also be solidarity actions at FCC offices in at least 19 other cities that will start noon local time. Here is a spreadsheet with a list of the FCC addresses, further information and actions that YOU can take ~https://WaveOfAction.org/fcc-waveofaction.xlsx This is a critical moment for the future of the Internet. Please show your support! Come to one of these actions and spread the word. Now is the time... to STAND UP FOR INTERNET FREEDOM!!

How The FCC Will Make Its Rule On Internet

May 14, 2014 April Glaser, www.eff.org Educate! FCC, Internet Freedom, Net Neutrality

It’s been hard to go a day without hearing news about the Chairman of the FCC, Tom Wheeler, and his highly contested plan for the future of network neutrality. Google and Netflix signed a letter with nearly 150 other Internet companies calling on the FCC to reconsider its plan, which would purportedly bless the creation of “Internet fast lanes.” Over a million people across the country have spoken out against that idea, worried that a “pay to play” Internet will be less hospitable to competition, innovation, and expression. And while Chairman Wheeler and his fellow commissioners have been blogging about the FCCs proposal, no text has been released to the pubic. Not yet, anyway. But mark your calendars. This Thursday, May 15th, the FCC will finally unveil its “Open Internet” proposal. The last two weeks have been packed with statements, previewing what we can expect for Thursday, and it’s not pretty. It’s time for Internet users to make some statements of their own. The FCC is calling for public input – let’s make sure they get it. To help make that happen, we’re creating an easy tool to help the public speak out on May 15th and for the next 30-60 days while the FCC collects public comments on its proposed rules.

The FCC Is Listening To Net Neutrality Defenders

May 14, 2014 Brian Fung, www.washingtonpost.com Resist! FCC, Internet Freedom, Net Neutrality, Occupy

By 9:30 Tuesday morning, Washington was already well on its way to a hot and sticky afternoon. For the handful of protesters camped out in front of the Federal Communications Commission, the heat was all worth it. The demonstrators are calling on the FCC's chairman, Tom Wheeler, to abandon a proposal that allows Internet providers to charge content companies like Dropbox and Google extra for speedy and reliable service. They set up shop on a small strip of concrete and grass outside the FCC building on Maine Avenue in Southwest. When I visited, drivers whizzed past on a highway onramp just a few feet from the curb. While the traffic didn't feel unsafe, it kept the protesters mostly hemmed in. Orange and white tents from REI dotted the perimeter. It was hard to see whether anyone was inside them taking refuge from the heat. Drawing inspiration from the Occupy Wall Street protests of a few years ago, the demonstrators are asking the agency to reclassify broadband providers as utility companies, which would allow the government to issue a ban on speeding up or slowing down types of Internet traffic. The FCC is considering rules that would prohibit companies from blocking traffic but could give them the freedom to offer faster service to Internet companies like Netflix and Google that chose to pay a fee.

Broadband Companies Nervous Over Latest Net Neutrality Push

May 13, 2014 Mark Sledge and Zach Carter, www.huffingtonpost.com Educate! Congress, Internet Freedom, Net Neutrality

Broadband companies are fighting back against a push to add teeth to the Federal Communications Commission's wavering defense of net neutrality. According to a Democratic House staffer, former New York representative-turned-National Cable and Telecommunications Association lobbyist Thomas Downey is looking for House members willing to sign on to a letter opposing any move to treat Internet service providers like public utilities. Federal courts have said that reclassifying Internet providers as utilities would hand the FCC a bulletproof tool to prevent broadband companies from charging companies like Netflix for faster access to customers. The letter argues that the "regulatory burdens and restrictions" resulting from reclassification could have a "potentially negative impact on job creation." Reclassifying Internet providers as "common carriers" under the Telecommunications Act would immediately give the FCC a clear legal framework for more closely regulating Internet providers. But for years, the agency has avoided this one step even as it sought ways to protect net neutrality.

Join Nationwide FCC #WaveOfAction To #SaveTheInternet May 15

May 13, 2014 #WaveOfAction, www.waveofaction.org Resist! FCC, Internet Freedom, Net Neutrality, Occupy

The People’s Firewall #WaveOfAction at the FCC has made a significant impact on the fight to #SaveTheInternet. We need to keep momentum building and make a huge statement on Thursday, May 15th, when the FCC is planning to propose their new rules to kill net neutrality. We are calling on organizers and concerned citizens throughout the United States to show up at your local FCC office at noon on the 15th to show your support for Internet freedom. On Tuesday, May 13th, we are having a FCC #WaveOfAction organizing call via InterOccupy at 10am PDT / 1pm EDT. We will have updates from organizers — Fight For the Future, Popular Resistance and FreePress — with John Perry Barlow from EFF as our featured speaker. If you would like to take part in the call, please RSVP here.

FCC Issue Sharpens As Proposed Rule Is Redrafted

May 12, 2014 Staff, www.PopularResistance.org Resist! Internet, Internet Freedom, Net Neutrality

The proposed rule on the open Internet is being modified by Chairman Tom Wheeler. He is moving in the right direction, raising questions about how to ensure that the US does not have a fee-based tiered system of Internet service as well as inviting comments on treating the Internet as a common carrier. But, reports indicate that the essence of his proposal remains the same because he does not confront the industry on the key issue: The Internet should be reclassified as a common carrier so it can be rescheduled in the public interest. This needs to be part of his proposal for consideration on Thursday. We are urging people to write: openinternet@fcc.gov and Tom.Wheeler@fcc.gov with a focus on treating the Internet as a common carrier. The Internet is a key forum for exercising our constitutional right to Freedom of Speech. There should be no fee based discrimination of this basic constitutional right. The FCC will only confront the industry if the people demand it. The issue has been focused, now we much ensure the right solutions are put in place. It is our opportunity to set the agenda and propose what the Internet should look like for the foreseeable future.

Surround The FCC! #SaveTheInternet

May 11, 2014 Kevin Zeese and Margaret Flowers, www.PopularResistance.org Resist! Internet, Internet Freedom, Net Neutrality

We're camping out day and night on the FCC's doorstep to defend net neutrality and keep the Internet free from discrimination and "slow lanes" Schedule at the FCC Camp This Week: Monday-Dinner Provided by Golden Frog (Let us know you’re coming so there is enough food, info@PopularResistance.org). Tuesday-Performance night, music and spoken word, bring your instruments. Wednesday-Art Build. Thursday-Rally at 9 AM, Open Commission Meeting at 10:30. Last week we wrote about the importance of taking action to save the Net. The Chairman of the FCC Tom Wheeler is proposing new rules that will be great for Comcast, AT&T, and Verizon, but terrible for the rest of us. The FCC has been surrounded by corporate lobbyists for too long. On Wednesday we decided that we had to follow our own advice and decided to take action. We have set up an encampment outside of the FCC and each day are taking action to push the people’s interest in a free, open and equal Internet. These next few days, up to the meeting of the FCC Commissioners on the 15th are a critical time for us to set the agenda and protect the public interest.

Talk of an Internet Fast Lane Is Already Hurting Some Startups

May 11, 2014 David Talbot, www.technologyreview.com Educate! Internet, Internet Freedom, Net Neutrality

Some venture capitalists at the cutting edge of Internet innovation say they will shun startups requiring fast connections for video, audio, or other services, mindful that the U.S. Federal Communications Commission may let ISPs charge extra fees to major content providers. Proposed rules being drafted by the FCC’s chairman, Tom Wheeler, would allow ISPs to charge content providers like Netflix to ensure speedy service, so long as those charges are “commercially reasonable.” The rules are scheduled to be released for public comment May 15. In the absence of clear rules, some ISPs have already begun requesting—and receiving—access fees. Netflix recently agreed to pay big ISPs like Comcast interconnection fees to ensure a high quality of service, but Netflix CEO Reed Hastings then wrote in a blog post that the United States needs a strict form of net neutrality, with no such tolls, because users who are already paying high prices for fast service should be able to get what content they want.

FCC Can’t Handle All The Phone Calls They Are Getting. Call Them!

May 11, 2014 Staff www.PopularResistance.org Resist! Internet, Internet Freedom

Keeping making telephone calls to the FCC and demanding net neutrality. The FCC is reporting they cannot handle the volume of telephone calls. So, keep calling. Call them often. Let them hear from you and tell everyone you know to do the same. Call the FCC at 202 418 1000 or 888 225 5322. You can also write them at openinternet@fcc.gov to express your outrage about the threat to net neutrality. "The Federal Communications Commission would rather read your thoughts about net neutrality than hear about them. Columbia Law School professor and leading net neutrality activist Tim Wu points out that calling the FCC’s main consumer hotline will give you a message that asks you to write an email to the commission if you’re calling about FCC chairman Tom Wheeler’s controversial net neutrality plans. This seemingly indicates that either the FCC is being flooded with calls about net neutrality that its operators can’t handle them all or it just is tired of hearing everyone call about net neutrality and would like to see them send emails instead. Either way, it looks as though people are speaking up about the issue."

Fifty Capital Investors Write FCC Opposing End Of Net Neutrality

May 10, 2014 Ben Popper, www.theverge.com Resist! FCC, Internet Freedom, Net Neutrality

Would it be possible to build the next YouTube or the next Netflix if big ISPs like Comcast and Verizon were allowed to charge companies for a "fast lane" that privileged their data? That has been a major concern for tech investors and entrepreneurs ever since the FCC lost its court battle with Verizon back in January. Today a group of leading venture capitalists published an open letter to the FCC calling on them to prevent what they say would be the end of net neutrality and a crippling blow to young startups. ""The internet will no longer be a level playing field."" "If established companies are able to pay for better access speeds or lower latency, the internet will no longer be a level playing field," they write. "Startups with applications that are advantaged by speed (such as games, video, or payment systems) will be unlikely to overcome that deficit no matter how innovative their service." The group includes investors from around the country, including Union Square Ventures, Andreessen Horowitz, First Round Capital, and many more. Collectively they have funded companies like Twitter, Facebook, Foursquare, Tumblr, and others. You can read their full letter here. They join a group of the world's biggest tech companies who filed a protest with the FCC yesterday.

FCC: We Won’t Stop Until The Internet Is Safe!

May 10, 2014 Staff, www.PopularResistance.org Resist! Democracy, Internet, Internet Freedom

We're camping out day and night on the FCC's doorstep to defend net neutrality and keep the Internet free from discrimination and "slow lanes" The FCC is proposing new rules that will be great for Comcast, AT&T, and Verizon, but terrible for the rest of us. This agency has been surrounded by corporate lobbyists for too long. Help us surround FCC headquarters with people who love the Internet and want to keep it open.

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