Before we got a chance to figure out the Google/Verizon net neutrality document a watchdog group is already barking at it.
Google and Verizon's new joint broadband proposal pays lip service
to the idea of "net neutrality," but actually would completely undermine
the open and free Internet we enjoy, Consumer Watchdog said today.
There are two fundamental flaws, said John M. Simpson, consumer advocate with the nonpartisan, nonprofit public interest group:
"First,
it sets up a two-tiered structure. There would be a so-called 'Public
Internet,' but then the ISPs would be allowed to offer new premium
services outside that basic service. How long to you think anything of
interest would be available on the 'Public Internet'?
"Second,
no neutrality principles would apply to the wireless world. Everyone
agrees mobile is clearly the Internet's future. Allowing data
discrimination in the broadband wireless world completely undermines the
future of the Internet."
Essentially,
this proposal is nothing more than two corporations meeting together
and trying to carve up the Internet for their own advantage, Consumer
Watchdog said.
Consumer Watchdog,
formerly the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights is a
nonprofit, nonpartisan consumer advocacy organization with offices in Washington, DC and Santa Monica, Ca. Consumer Watchdog's website is www.consumerwatchdog.org. Visit our new Google Privacy and Accountability Project website: http://insidegoogle.com.