Those that support net neutrality are not too keen on Google and Verizon's internet proposals for congress, mainly because of the number of loopholes the companies put in place to protect various interests. Groups that have been the most vocal include MoveOn.org and Public Knowledge, who called the new proposals a package that "does almost nothing to preserve an open Internet."
While the press release the two companies released yesterday promises one course of action - stopping broadband providers from discriminating against or prioritizing "lawful Internet content" - it's the legislative language that scares many open internet rights groups. Here are a few choice excerpts from the legislative language Google and Verizon provided to lawmakers:
"..In providing broadband Internet access service, a provider would be prohibited from engaging in undue discrimination against any lawful Internet content, application, or service in a manner that causes meaningful harm to competition or to users."
But who decides what "lawful internet content" is? Here's the answer to that question:
"..Parties would be encouraged to use nongovernmental dispute resolution processes established by independent, widely-recognized Internet community governance initiatives," the proposal continues, "and the FCC would be directed to give appropriate deference to decisions or advisory opinions of such groups."
So companies like Google, Verizon or whoever else they decide needs a voice on the subject will decide? And the FCC will support them? That sounds like a great idea.. There's a more in-depth report on this whole thing over at Ars, but the most interesting loophole is that Google and Verizon want to keep net neutrality rules as far away from wireless as possbile. I leave you with the following statement from the proposal:
"Because of the unique technical and operational characteristics of wireless networks, and the competitive and still-developing nature of wireless broadband services, only the transparency principle would apply to wireless broadband at this time."
All bases covered.. if you are a broadband provider or a wireless carrier, but not so great for consumers.
Comments
Re: Loopholes Abound in Google Verizon Plan
Watch as the republic slowly dies one nation under $ with no liberty and no justice except for $.
Re: Loopholes Abound in Google Verizon Plan
Companies that are trying to get rules passed that benefit themselves and not the consumers. That's a shocker. Probably the first time that that's ever happened.
Re: Loopholes Abound in Google Verizon Plan
Not quite what the NY Times originally reported, but not the innocent agreement that Verizon and Google proclaimed it to be.
Damn corporate whores.