Daily Democracy

Ryan Blethen discusses the press, media and democracy. Daily Democracy is part of the Democracy Papers, a series of articles, essays and editorial opinion examining threats to our freedoms of speech and the press.

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May 21, 2008 2:29 PM

A boost for net neutrality

Posted by Ryan Blethen

Users of the Internet take for granted their ability to access all Web sites on an equal basis. That could change, however, if Internet service providers started discriminating among content, to make more money or to suppress ideas they do not like. A new "net neutrality" bill has been introduced in the House, which would prohibit this sort of content discrimination. Congress has delayed on this important issue too long and should pass net neutrality legislation now.

That is how the New York Times begins its editorial in support of net neutrality legislation. The edit, which can be found here, goes on to hit all the high points of why a law that prohibits Internet Service Providers from blocking content or applications is needed.

I hope the Times, the one in New York because you know the Times in Seattle will keep beating on this topic, becomes a loud, steady voice in support of net neutrality. There are a number of bills in Congress that address the issue. Support from a national newspaper like the New York Times only helps.

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