Where Are We Going?

I think one of the most important issues we face today is that of net neutrality. Unfortunately, with so much misunderstanding surrounding it, seemingly blatant misinformation stonewalls any attempt at a reasonable discourse regarding net neutrality. 

It is a complicated issue, with a lot of conflicting viewpoints. 

The concept of net neutrality is not new. It means that Internet service providers may not discriminate between different kinds of content and applications online. All packets are treated equally. No matter if they originate from a mega-site like YouTube, or some unknown start-up in a garage. It guarantees a level playing field for all Web sites and Internet technologies.

Without net neutrality, Google (who owns YouTube) could pay cable providers and telcos a fee to ensure their websites load faster than the unknown start-ups therefore stifling the competition.

In this scenario, we all lose.

Check out this NYT article for more information explaining what net neutrality is and about the current draft being proposed by the FCC right now.

This video does an excellent job of explaining what net neutrality is. It also talks about the current spat between Comcast and Level 3.

Also,  unless you've been living under a rock for the last few weeks, I'm sure you have heard of the circus surrounding WikiLeaks. I believe that all of the DDoS attacks on those who oppose WikiLeaks may also have an indirect impact on the net neutrality debate.

While I agree with the protests, which I liken them to old fashioned 'sit-ins', I fear they may have unintended consequences. It may help those who would like to censor WikiLeaks to further skew the publics perception of the issues and more easily vilify  them. This could in turn strengthen the argument to more tightly control the flow of information online.

 

For more interesting reading on the subject of WikiLeaks and net neutrality, check out the following links:

http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2010/12/net-neutrality-and-the-academics-who-love-it/67764/

http://thehill.com/blogs/hillicon-valley/technology/133181-fcc-should-shoot-down-harmful-net-neutrality-proposal-unless-it-is-strengthened
 

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/07/AR2010120706533.html

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2010/dec/08/mastercard-hackers-wikileaks-revenge

http://www.boingboing.net/2010/12/09/anonymous-stops-drop.html


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Well kids, the end of the semester is finally upon us. This blog has served as learning tool tracing my path through this course with each consecutive module.

I don't think I'll be updating this anymore. I'm sure it's glaringly obvious that writing isn't exactly my strong suit. Who knows, maybe someday I'll try my hand at it again. Until then, so long!