by Casey Rae-Hunter, Future of Music Coalition

The idea that everyone has the same level of access to the internet and can upload and download the legal content of their choice without undue restrictions is a computing principle known as “net neutrality.” It is the bedrock upon which the internet was built, and places the biggest companies and the smallest entrepreneurs on an equal technological playing field. It is also under threat.

The big telecom and cable companies who provide the connections between content providers (from our kid brother putting his skate video on YouTube to big name recording artists) and internet users (pretty much all of us) are challenging the principle that all information should be treated equally – that is, neutrally. Network operators (i.e., telecom and cable companies) want to start charging the people whose stuff we want to see or hear an additional fee for speedy delivery of their content. Those who cannot or do not want to pay this toll would be pushed into the slow lane. This could be devastating to small businesses, innovators and consumers.

If the network operators are allowed to charge content providers for faster delivery, it would be like making the road to the mall an expressway, and sticking the downtown shops with a dirt road. Pretty soon, people will simply stop coming downtown.

But it’s not just about commercial speech — there are political speech issues at stake, too. The ability to provide faster connections for favored speech also means potential roadblocks for disfavored speech. For example:

• In August 2007, Pearl Jam performed an extended section of its song "Daughter" during a live Lollapalooza webcast; AT&T cut the sound when singer Eddie Vedder referenced George W. Bush.

• In September 2007, Verizon Wireless denied NARAL Pro-Choice America’s request for a text messaging "short code," which members could use to receive instant updates via their mobile phone. The company explained the restriction by stating that their messaging service was closed to organizations and groups whose content or agenda could be deemed "controversial or unsavory to any of our users."

Some artist-oriented groups, such as the Future of Music Coalition, are raising awareness about this important issue. FMC’s Rock the Net campaign has more than 800 members, including founding artists Pearl Jam, R.E.M., Death Cab For Cutie and Kronos Quartet. A benefit compilation CD for Rock the Net hits stores on July 29, and features Wilco, Aimee Mann, Bright Eyes, They Might BeGiants and others.

The internet is for everyone, and our access to it needs to be preserved unimpaired.

Read the complete post at http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ACSBlog/~3/308799231/ip-and-tech-law-net-neutrality-in-a-nutshell.html