Get up, Stand up

After reading Bennett's post about web control and net neutrality, I really started to think about the future implications of controlling a currently (mostly) public forum, like the Internet.  After providing a little background on the history of Internet control, Bennett shares his own insight on where he think it may be going; "Once again the future of the internet is murky and nobody can figure out where it is headed but in my opinion it looks likes its headed towards the private sector."

Initially upon reading this, I agreed with Bennett.  With something as powerful and widespread as the Internet, why wouldn't the private sector try to gain control over it?  It may be just another way to force users to pay for something, simply because they know that they will do it. 

The thought of having further limitations placed upon my open relationship with the Internet infuriated me. Although Internet control will surely receive backlash from most, I believe that, if we stay on the path that we are already on, it is  the future.  But does it have to be?

After pondering this question, I stumbled upon a brief Google post that was written by the inventor of the web, Sir Tim Berners-Lee.  It was created with the intention of recognizing the web's 25th anniversary, but Berners-Lee boldly urges readers to push for an Internet that is kept "free and open."

He claims that the open atmosphere of online networks has "generated trillions of dollars of economic value, transformed education and healthcare and activated many new movements for democracy around the world." I agree with his argument and think that it is impossible to deny the benefits and developments that the Internet has allowed us to achieve. 

If we impose barriers on the Internet, we are inhibiting the potential of great advancements that can be made through its accessible-to-all networks.  He urges us to advocate for the web's future to remain as open and free as its past.  Also, he suggests that it is our responsibility to connect all others globally and to not cater to only a specific group online.

While he doesn't provide a plan for protecting his precious invention, I think we can all take a little bit from Berners-Lee's advice:  To speak up for the essentially "flat" web that we all want and need.  I personally believe that we must recognize the dangers of web control and ask ourselves if allowing such authority over the internet will cause society to take a step backwards in communication and innovation.

I'm speaking up. Are you?