Former FCC Chairman Powell, Net Neutrality, and the 4 Internet Freedoms
In light of the recent attack on internet freedom and net neutrality, I'd like to provide the text of a speech gave by the former chairman of the FCC Michael Powell. Powell, a Republican appointed to the chairmanship by George W. Bush, presents a strong case for keeping the internet an open and free- retaining its place as a dynamic source of information, social connections, and knowledge. The recent repeal of net neutrality , spearheaded by the current chair Ajit Pai, means that internet providers can now limit access to certain websites, which could usher in an era of tiered payment systems for use of different websites, much like cable television packages. However, the chief danger is not one of money and payment (although important) but of censorship & information control. Case in point: Imagine Verizon is your internet provider. Verizon does not have to provide you with a neutral, open portal to the world of information. It can limit what...