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A Guide to Net Neutrality for Google Users "Net neutrality" is an issue that will shape the future of the Internet. Google has created this guide to net neutrality, which includes a brief overview of the subject, an update on where things stand in the U.S. policy debate, a set of actions you can take to protect the Internet, and the text of an open letter from our CEO, Eric Schmidt. What is Net Neutrality? Network neutrality is the principle that Internet users should be in control of what content they view and what applications they use on the Internet. The Internet has operated according to this neutrality principle since its earliest days. Indeed, it is this neutrality that has allowed many companies, including Google, to launch, grow, and innovate. Fundamentally, net neutrality is about equal access to the Internet. In our view, the broadband carriers should not be permitted to use their market power to discriminate against competing applications or content. Just as telephone companies are not permitted to tell consumers who they can call or what they can say, broadband carriers should not be allowed to use their market power to control activity online. Today, the neutrality of the Internet is at stake as the broadband carriers want Congress's permission to determine what content gets to you first and fastest. Put simply, this would fundamentally alter the openness of the Internet. What is the Current Status of Net Neutrality? Net neutrality is a major issue as the U.S. considers new telecommunications laws. The U.S. House of Representatives passed its telecommunications bill, H.R. 5252, in May, without adequate net neutrality protections. Now the fight has moved to U.S. Senate. On June 28, the Senate Commerce Committee passed its own telecom bill, S. 2686. While an amendment to the bill that would have added meaningful net neutrality safeguards failed 11-11, this tie vote marks a significant political victory and gives the effort new momentum. The debate now shifts to the full Senate, where advocates will be working to get strong net neutrality language is any bill that the Senate considers.Learn More Click here to read an open letter from Eric Schmidt, CEO of Google Inc., regarding the House vote in May. You can read more about net neutrality at Open Internet Coalition, a coalition of companies including Google, and at SaveTheInternet, a grassroots alliance of non-profit groups. Both groups support net neutrality. Click here for recent congressional testimony on net neutrality, including arguments on both sides of the debate. Take Action Now Sign the Save the Internet petition to Congress for Internet freedom. |
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Allowing broadband carriers to control what people see and do online would fundamentally undermine the principles that have made the Internet such a success...A number of justifications have been created to support carrier control over consumer choices online; none stand up to scrutiny."
