Open Internet

Library Computers Can Block Porn, but Wicca? ACLU Says No

Stevie Converse — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 10:46:51 -0500

Full article: Ars Technica
Nate Anderson
The American Civil Liberties Union has just filed a complaint on behalf of a Salem, Missouri resident who contends that the Salem public library is unconstitutionally blocking her ability to access information on "minority" religious views. Anaka Hunter claims that while looking into Native American and Wiccan religious practices, she was repeatedly halted by the filter's "occult" and "criminal skills" categories.

Media Minutes: October 7, 2011

Candace Clement — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 15:13:08 -0400

After three weeks of the Occupy Wall Street protests, the establishment media are beginning to pick up the story. But increased airtime doesn’t necessarily equal quality reporting. And a new paper says that Net Neutrality generates economic benefits for consumers — as much as $5,600 per user, per year.

G8 Summit: Laws Apply on Internet Just Like 'Everywhere Else'

Lindsy Embree — Tue, 31 May 2011 09:28:59 -0400

Full article: Ars Technica
Nate Anderson
The G8 group of countries met last week to talk about a huge list of issues, including the Internet. In a lengthy statement, the countries agreed on a 22-paragraph communiqué in which they lay out their view of the Internet -- and make clear that laws apply in cyberspace exactly as they do in the real world.

The Internet Strikes Back: Why the Internet Needs Jedi Knights

Lindsy Embree — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 10:29:52 -0500

Full article: Huffington Post
Malkia Cyril
We struggle as low income people because there is a lack of living wage jobs, a lack of education, a lack of opportunity, and no one -- not MetroPCS, not beltway groups who claim to represent us -- should take advantage of that fact. We are low-income, working class, lower-middle class. And yes, we still deserve the best democracy has to offer. Tell Congress not to put our Internet rights on the open market.

Genachowski to Defend FCC Process and Net Neutrality Rules

Lindsy Embree — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 11:06:31 -0500

Full article: National Journal
Josh Smith
When he appears before a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski will defend both the recently approved Net Neutrality rules as well as the process that developed the open Internet regulations, according to the text of his prepared remarks.

Commerce Committee Criticism of Net Neutrality Regs: There Is No Crisis

Stevie Converse — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 07:04:20 -0500

Full article: Broadcasting & Cable
John Eggerton
In case you were wondering if the new Energy and Commerce Committee majority would give Net Neutrality a fair hearing, a memo briefing the committee members on the upcoming hearing with all five FCC Commissioners begins this way: "There is no crisis warranting government intervention." The memo also describes the FCC's ruling on Net Neutrality as a "power grab" that would allow the agency to regulate "on barely more than a whim."

Keep Assange Free, Keep Internet Free

Lindsy Embree — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 10:25:26 -0500

Full article: Foreign Policy
Tim Wu
It is time for the United States to drop the case against WikiLeaks. Pressing forward with efforts to prosecute an Internet publisher at home while standing up for an open Internet in Egypt and the world at large is an increasingly tenuous position.

How Egypt Switched Off the Internet

Lindsy Embree — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 12:16:12 -0500

Full article: GigaOM
Bobbie Johnson
Amid spreading protests, the Egyptian government has taken the incredible step of shutting down all communications. Only a handful of Web connections, including those to the nation's stock exchange, remain up and running. It's an astonishing move, and one that seems almost unimaginable for a nation that not only has a relatively strong Internet economy but also relies on its connections to the rest of the world. But how did the government actually do it?

One U.S. Corporation's Role in Egypt's Brutal Crackdown

Lindsy Embree — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 11:39:01 -0500

Full article: SavetheInternet.com
Timothy Karr
The open Internet's role in popular uprising is now undisputed. Look no further than Egypt, where the Mubarak regime reportedly shut down Internet and cell phone communications -- a troubling predictor of the fierce crackdown to come. What's even more troubling is news that one American company is aiding Egypt's black-booted response through sales of technology that makes this repression possible.

Verizon Weighing Lawsuit Against FCC

Stevie Converse — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 11:53:06 -0500

Full article: National Journal
David Hatch
Verizon, the nation's second largest telecommunications carrier, may seek to overturn the historic open Internet rules to be approved by the FCC. Sources said the option is on the table, but cautioned that no final decision has been made. The company will review the details of the new "network neutrality" rules set for adoption by the agency to gauge its next move.