Over in the US, the DC Circuit Court has issued a ruling in Verizon v. FCC that is likely the shape the very nature of the internet. At the heart of the case is how the companies that provide internet to consumers can control that flow of information. In 2010, the Federal Communications Commission put forth an order that required "network neutrality," meaning that internet providers had to treat all packets delivered on the internet as equal. Today, a court ruledthat the FCC lacks the authority to impose net neutrality on high-speed internet providers.
From social networking sites to megacompanies, this evening will be a dark day on the Internet. Wikipedia is one of the sites on the list of web giants who plan to shut off temporarily today at 4pm AEST, protesting two bills in Congress that could douse freedom of speech (and freedom of perusal) online.
