A Free and Open Web - Google petition

[Dissolve]

There is a growing backlash on Internet freedom. Forty-two countries filter and censor content. In just the last two years, governments have enacted 19 new laws threatening online free expression.  
Some of these governments are trying to use a closed-door meeting in December to regulate the Internet.  The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is bringing together regulators from around the world to re-negotiate a decades-old communications treaty.

Proposed changes to the treaty could increase censorship and threaten innovation.  Some proposals could permit governments to censor legitimate speech — or even allow them to cut off Internet access.  Other proposals would require services like YouTube, Facebook, and Skype to pay new tolls in order to reach people across borders. This could limit access to information — particularly in emerging markets.


https://www.google.com/intl/en/takeaction/
https://www.google.com/intl/en/takeaction/whats-at-stake/
https://www.google.com/intl/en/takeaction/what-you-can-do/


You can look at this a few different ways really.  Governments trying to control the internet or Google trying to profit from a free and open internet.  Not saying Google getting profit is bad or anything but I'm sure some people think that it's evil.

[Ad Bot]

[Wynd_Fox]

Or you can see it as both. I think controlling the web like that is bad, and I see no harm in Google profiting.

[Sheath]

The government trying to control the Internet is far worse than Google profiting, get some perspective please.

[Fredulus]

well of course SOME regulation is needed, just like most other things

[Dissolve]

Or you can see it as both. I think controlling the web like that is bad, and I see no harm in Google profiting.

I agree, I guess I worded that pretty poorly though.

[Sheath]

well of course SOME regulation is needed, just like most other things

Sure, but right now it seems like governments are choking the Internet rather than adding a little stability and structure.

[Thar]

well of course SOME regulation is needed, just like most other things

Well yeah regarding things like child research

but pretty much everything else should be left alone

[Fredulus]

Sure, but right now it seems like governments are choking the Internet rather than adding a little stability and structure.

yeah like China and North Korea, we seem pretty relaxed here lol... people even get away with pirating tons of stuff on a regular basis

edit: yeah and people get away with CP too lol...

[fred da kiko]

well of course SOME regulation is needed, just like most other things

No forget that, i want my kiddy research. Timmy's big adventure is the best stuff ever.

[mr. pedophile]

Is this really the biggest issue on their table right now

[fred da kiko]

Is this really the biggest issue on their table right now

What other problems are you having, did you spill your milk?

[Sheath]

yeah like China and North Korea, we seem pretty relaxed here lol... people even get away with pirating tons of stuff on a regular basis

I dunno, the US is really slipping in terms of Internet freedom... and freedom in general.

Currently the Megaupload founder Kim Dotcom, who resides in New Zealand, has been battling the US taking down his site and taking his servers if I recall correctly. So far New Zealand courts have mostly just found that the US has been acting illegally by taking away his property, and the raid on him has been heavily criticized.

Its been a real political pivot point because there are a lot of people who don't get why our PM is bending over for the US on this.

This kind of stuff is very concerning.

[mr. pedophile]

What other problems are you having, did you spill your milk?

My bum itches :(

[Fredulus]

uh you know what megaupload was used for right..?

[dotdotsquare]

uh you know what megaupload was used for right..?

rip luelinks... oh wait that never existed

anyway, here are some good links.