In a letter on Google’s website, CEO Eric Schmidt asks users to join them in the fight for net neutrality.
The letter reads:
A Note to Google Users on Net Neutrality:
The Internet as we know it is facing a serious threat. There’s a debate heating up in Washington, DC on something called “net neutrality” – and it’s a debate that’s so important Google is asking you to get involved. We’re asking you to take action to protect Internet freedom.
In the next few days, the House of Representatives is going to vote on a bill that would fundamentally alter the Internet. That bill, and one that may come up for a key vote in the Senate in the next few weeks, would give the big phone and cable companies the power to pick and choose what you will be able to see and do on the Internet.
Today the Internet is an information highway where anybody – no matter how large or small, how traditional or unconventional – has equal access. But the phone and cable monopolies, who control almost all Internet access, want the power to choose who gets access to high-speed lanes and whose content gets seen first and fastest. They want to build a two-tiered system and block the on-ramps for those who can’t pay.
Creativity, innovation and a free and open marketplace are all at stake in this fight. Please call your representative (202-224-3121) and let your voice be heard.
Thanks for your time, your concern and your support.
Eric Schmidt
The rest of the page directs users to call or write their congressman, sign a petition or register for updates. It also has quotes from net pioneers Tim Berners-Lee and Vint Cerf (the latter of whom is a Google exec). What it doesn’t have is an explanation of what net neutrality is, and why you should care or agree with Google on this issue.
Now, I am all for net neutrality, but I have met people who are not, and I know lots of people so ignorant about the issue that they might be against it, if they had any facts. We all know Google is passionate about this, so why don’t they present their arguement? Yes, Google’s culture is that they don’t have to answer to anyone, but when you are asking your users for help, you might want to step of your perch for just one second and explain your position.
Add to Del.icio.us | DiggThis | Yahoo! My Web | Furl
Nathan Weinberg writes the popular InsideGoogle blog, offering the latest news and insights about Google and search engines.
Visit the InsideGoogle blog.
