Danger, Risk of Privatization

When net neutrality and the dangers associated with them were introduced in class I was left disturbed. Before this class, I had no idea our internet was under such danger from big companies. The fact that corporations are trying to earn the authority to manipulate our internet in order to induce the user into using their services is revolting. Professor Lipton made it clear that the President in waiting Barack Obama is opposed to halting net neutrality. This means he is in favour of a democratic internet process where all sites have the same speed and priority without any private interference. The most important feature of this battle between public and private internet in respects to Canada is the fact that big networking companies are lobbying the government. These companies have publicly admitted that they do not necessarily support net neutrality. Jacqueline Michelis a representative of Bell Canada told the CBC their opinion on the democracy of internet “our position on network diversity/neutrality is that it should be determined by market forces, not regulation”. The fact that as of now the internet is under risk of becoming s privately beneficial mean of media is sickening. How long until the government gives in to the pressures of big money? Another drastic feature in this fight for private interest is the notice of consultation and hearing in regards to a “Review of the Internet traffic management practices of Internet service providers” according to the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). This hearing that will take place on July 6th 2009 will re-open the debate to net neutrality. Following this information, I know that I will write a letter to my local MP urging the government to take action in order to save net neutrality.