Saving the Peoples Right to Know: Fight Internet Strangulation

The digital landscape, a realm once hailed as a frontier of unfettered access to information and rapid communication, faces a looming threat. A movement driven by the ideology of comprehensive privatization seeks to fragment the Internet, ushering in an era where tiered services and access levels dictate the online experience. This paradigm shift threatens to irrevocably alter the very fabric of the Internet, transforming it from a democratizing force into a commercialized commodity. The title Saving the Peoples Right to Know: Fight Internet Strangulation encapsulates the urgency of the situation.

The Looming Digital Divide: A Chasm of Access

The prospect of privatizing the Internet’s infrastructure raises the specter of a deepened digital divide. For communities already struggling to gain access to the Internet, such as those in remote or underserved areas, the introduction of tiered pricing models and restricted access could prove devastating. Imagine a scenario where access to essential online resources, educational materials, and critical government services becomes contingent upon the ability to pay. This is not merely a digital divide; it is a digital stomp, crushing the aspirations and opportunities of those already marginalized.

The Indigenous Perspective: Roadkill on the Information Highway?

For indigenous communities, the stakes are particularly high. The Internet has emerged as a vital tool for preserving cultural heritage, fostering community connections, and advocating for self-governance. However, the privatization of the Internet threatens to exacerbate existing inequalities and further marginalize these communities. As Mohawk artist Richard Hill poignantly warned, "If we don’t watch it, Indians may just be the roadkill in the information highway."

While some indigenous communities have consciously chosen to maintain a distance from the digital world, prioritizing traditional practices and spiritual connection with nature, others have embraced the Internet as a powerful tool for empowerment. For those who seek to engage with the modern world while preserving their cultural identity, the Internet offers a means of leveling the playing field, enabling them to participate in the global conversation and advocate for their rights.

The Internet as a Leveling Force: Empowering the Marginalized

The Internet’s power lies in its ability to transcend geographical barriers and connect individuals and communities across vast distances. For small and relatively isolated communities, particularly American Indian tribes lacking adequate resources for self-governance, the Internet provides a critical lifeline. It facilitates rapid communication, enables real-time information sharing, and fosters collaboration on issues of mutual concern.

Through Internet networking, families, clans, and tribal networks can maintain close contact, share stories, and sustain a common narrative. This connectivity empowers them to engage with government agencies and even major corporations on a more equal footing. The Internet serves as a platform for amplifying their voices, advocating for their rights, and preserving their cultural heritage.

The Corporate Push for Privatization: A Threat to Net Neutrality

Despite the Internet’s potential to democratize access to information and empower marginalized communities, a consortium of powerful corporations is actively lobbying for its privatization. Companies like AT&T, Verizon, Comcast, and Bell South are pushing for the ability to charge fees for various online services, effectively transforming the Internet into a medium for corporate marketing rather than a platform for open communication and civic engagement.

These telecommunications giants seek to eliminate the concept of "common carrier," which mandates a non-discriminatory approach to Internet access. Under this principle, all users are treated equally, regardless of their online activities or affiliations. However, by privatizing the use of cable and phone lines, these companies could operate Internet services as mega-private networks, prioritizing their own applications and exerting near-monopoly control over the flow of information.

The Perils of Metered Usage and Data Tracking

The proposed privatization of the Internet also raises concerns about metered usage and data tracking. Companies are exploring the possibility of implementing subscription plans that would limit the amount of email that can be sent and received, the number of downloads allowed, and the extent of media streaming permitted. This would effectively create a tiered system of access, where those who can afford to pay more enjoy a richer and more comprehensive online experience.

Furthermore, the privatization of the Internet could lead to increased data tracking, with companies monitoring individual users’ online activities to develop targeted marketing strategies. This raises serious privacy concerns, as sensitive personal information could be collected, analyzed, and potentially shared with third parties. The title Saving the Peoples Right to Know: Fight Internet Strangulation speaks to the fears of a constricted and surveilled internet.

The Call to Action: Defending Internet Freedom

The fight to preserve the Internet as a free and open platform requires immediate action. Internet users who value the freedoms of the Internet must make their voices heard by contacting their elected officials and expressing their opposition to the privatization of the Internet. It is crucial to demand that policymakers prioritize the public interest over corporate profits and protect the principles of net neutrality.

Net neutrality ensures that all Internet traffic is treated equally, preventing companies from discriminating against certain websites or applications. This principle is essential for preserving the Internet as a level playing field, where small businesses, non-profit organizations, and individual users can compete and innovate without being disadvantaged by the actions of powerful corporations.

The Role of Key Legislators: Champions of the Public Interest

Several legislators have emerged as champions of Internet neutrality, advocating for policies that protect the public interest. Senator Daniel Inouye, along with Senators Byron Dorgan and Olympia Snowe, has been at the forefront of this fight, working to ensure that consumers and content companies have the ability to use the Internet without interference or gate-keeping by network operators.

These legislators recognize the importance of preserving the Internet as a vital resource for education, commerce, and civic engagement. They understand that the privatization of the Internet would undermine its potential to empower individuals and communities and would ultimately harm the public good.