Net Neutrality, Canadian Sovereignty and Free Speech

by Connie Fogal, et al.

From its earliest days the world wide web (WWW) along with its host, the Internet, has been the great equalizer and vehicle for freedom of speech and expression. It has been the voice of the little guys, the big guys and of the freedom fighters from around the globe during times of war, peace and unrest.

Underlying the “freedom” of the net is the principle that all “data packets” (the envelopes that carry our data) are equal. (Some say the net must be dumb, colour blind, unable to show preference for one packet over another).

The term “Net Neutrality” at its purest has meant “first come first served”, just like getting on the bus or going to a movie. A data packet from the humblest of web sites is equal that of one from Microsoft, IBM, Google or the New York Times.

From time to time carriers (the ISPs) have proposed to alter the “first come first served principle”. Read If you have the patience the Wikipedia article. LINK

Essentially, for engineering purposes to preserve performance on phone (VOIP) or streaming video, ISPs have attempted to reduce response times for data packets in order to favour media packets which rely on speedy response.

In Canada there have been consumer challenges to attempts by the major carriers to impose limits on some applications (for example Bittorrent), who argue that these applications cause bottlenecks for other users.

The debate is fierce. Check out, LINK

Add your vote to the petition supporting “Net Neutrality” and opposing a two tiered Internet.

Freedom begins with free speech and expression. The Internet belongs to all of us not a special few.

About the writer:

Connie Fogal is the leader of the Canadian Action Party (CAP).

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