Busy — Tue, 07 Feb 2006 19:49:35 +0000

But could it really happen?
Joe Bloggs can set up a server from his bedroom these days, sure he'd be classed as a outlaw but the only way would be at the domain name end which could be regulated but they don't actually control anything on the web (apart from names), even then the IP of the server could be used.

Megan — Tue, 07 Feb 2006 17:51:31 +0000

Here's an article that describes the pros and cons of this issue:

http://news.com.com/2100-1034_3-6035906.html?part=rss&tag=6035906&subj=news

This one suggests that the premiums paid by companies for improved bandwidth will be transferred to consumers. I don't think that's necessairly the biggest problem - it is that the big companies can effecitvely drown out the smaller competitors who can't pay the price.

Tallon - signing the petition couldn't hurt, I guess. I think the main way to combat this would be to make people aware of what is happening and that they could be paying for compromised service.

tallon — Mon, 30 Jan 2006 16:13:09 +0000

So do you think it's a good idea to sign the petition on that webpage? (given in the email)

locatepeople — Mon, 30 Jan 2006 14:57:30 +0000

the media companies are the ones with real power. They effectively select the presidents, prime ministers and the government knows it!

They decide which politicians get good publicity and which ones get bad publicity and the voters basically vote for the images portrayed to them on the media.

Megan — Mon, 30 Jan 2006 14:33:47 +0000

I've read about this in other sources so yes, it is legit. The question is - will it ever happen?

It is an appalling thought. These companies clearly have no idea of what the internet is really about. Its quite rediculous that they would try to do this - and that the government would go along with it.

In reality, I don't think it will ever happen. People won't stand for it. I pay good money for high speed access - it better deliver every website fast, not just the ones who are in cahoots with the service provider.

Yes, hands off our internet, big business, and I would say the same to the US government as well (or any individual government). There needs to be some sort of unbiased, international group to oversee the high end operations so they don't fall into the hands of a few corporate self interest driven individuals.

steve40 — Sun, 29 Jan 2006 19:57:28 +0000

The internet is under FCC domain. They are supposed to regulate the rules. But when big business OWNS your government, who's to say what they can get by with.

Busy — Sun, 29 Jan 2006 08:43:51 +0000

There is an issue going on with google and US gov. (and China) but they werent mentioned in the email so who knows