Verizon Owns the Internet Code: Select All
http://buzzmachine.com/2012/07/05/verizon-thinks-net-newspaper/
Quote:
Verizon makes its arguments against the FCC’s net neutrality rules — and they are fraught with danger.
Verizon sees the net as its newspaper and believes it has First Amendment rights to control what goes on the net. This is why Doc Searls has taught me that it is dangerous to see the net as a medium. No, the net is a network and Verizon only offers access to it.
But there’s the next argument: Verizon says the net is its private property and so it makes a Fifth Amendment claim that imposing restrictions on its ability to impose restrictions on the net is like confiscating property without compensation.
Danger, danger!
The First Amendment argument is absurd on its face. Does Verizon really want to be responsible for everything distributed on the net, including libel, theft, and other illegal behavior? I doubt it. Verizon is no publisher.
The Fifth Amendment argument is a corner we’ve painted ourselves into by finding ourself dependent on a public good privately owned. But just as we make restrictions on private property — I can’t build a gas station on my house; I have to give access to public utility workers — so must we here.
We need a SOPA/PIPA/ACTA-level fight for net neutrality, for not allowing Verizon et al to mess with the net. We need a principle: First, do no harm. You might want to at least start here, by signing the Declaration of Internet Freedom.
Code: Select All
http://govinthelab.com/freedom-of-speech-is-under-attack-in-the-united-states/
Quote:
Update: After consulting with several lawyers and journalist we are sure that it is okay to post the original article as it was entirely based upon Verizon’s own comments. While they may prefer that their image is not tarnished their best pathway to doing so is to be open and honest with the American people.
As you know, Government in The Lab is focused on helping bridge the divide between citizens, politicians, and governments, focused on human rights, politics, and government. We share original content and syndicate from other sources.
It was with a great deal of surprise that today, after syndicating an article from AllGov about Verizon’s efforts to edit the internet, that I received a call from Verizon. 20 minutes after the article was published I received a threatening call on my phone stating that legal action would follow if I did not immediately take the article down.
Yes, the irony was clear. Verizon was threatening to edit the internet if I did not take down my article about their efforts to edit the internet….
The article was accurate, the information true, but I decided to take the article down, express my outrage on twitter, and move on. On twitter I noted the irony in several post, including:
Yes, they actually called me back and told me to take down my tweets, once again or they would bring legal action.
Yes, I have saved off the threatening phone calls in multiple locations but, for now, I will not publish them. I am hoping Verizon recognizes that their actions were wrong, threatening the rights of US citizens. I would have happily had a conversation about the article, heard their side of it, and written a retraction if appropriate, or at least a positive note thanking them for taking the time to discuss.
Instead, threats… I will keep you all up to date as more action unfolds.
As you know, Government in The Lab is focused on helping bridge the divide between citizens, politicians, and governments, focused on human rights, politics, and government. We share original content and syndicate from other sources.
It was with a great deal of surprise that today, after syndicating an article from AllGov about Verizon’s efforts to edit the internet, that I received a call from Verizon. 20 minutes after the article was published I received a threatening call on my phone stating that legal action would follow if I did not immediately take the article down.
Yes, the irony was clear. Verizon was threatening to edit the internet if I did not take down my article about their efforts to edit the internet….
The article was accurate, the information true, but I decided to take the article down, express my outrage on twitter, and move on. On twitter I noted the irony in several post, including:
Quote:
John Moore @JohnFMoore
I posted artcl stating @Verizon wanted to censor internet. 20 Minutes later I get phone call threatening legal action if I don't take down
John Moore @JohnFMoore
Does anyone see irony? @Verizon will take me to court for article stating they wanted to control what is on internet.. Interesting...
John Moore @JohnFMoore
Now @Verizon called me back and said to take the #tweets down. I asked if he was trheatening my freedom of speech, he hung up
I posted artcl stating @Verizon wanted to censor internet. 20 Minutes later I get phone call threatening legal action if I don't take down
John Moore @JohnFMoore
Does anyone see irony? @Verizon will take me to court for article stating they wanted to control what is on internet.. Interesting...
John Moore @JohnFMoore
Now @Verizon called me back and said to take the #tweets down. I asked if he was trheatening my freedom of speech, he hung up
Quote:
John Moore @JohnFMoore
Disappointed that @Verizon wants me to keep quiet. Are we living in a police state. @Verizon, you owe me, and the internet, an apology
Disappointed that @Verizon wants me to keep quiet. Are we living in a police state. @Verizon, you owe me, and the internet, an apology
Instead, threats… I will keep you all up to date as more action unfolds.
