The ACLU is warning that the openness of the internet is threatened by the move to cable-based broadband. Unlike the telephone system, cable is not regulated to ensure openness to content and competition. As more online connections move to cable, more content will be under the private control of proprietary monopolies. Quoting Barry Steinhardt of the ACLU: "Many people don't realize that if current policies continue, a handful of big monopolies will gain power over information flowing through the Internet. Freedom of speech doesn't mean much if the forums where that speech takes place are not free."
Posted by
Peter Suber at 7/15/2002 12:00:00 PM.
The open access movement:
Putting peer-reviewed scientific and scholarly literature
on the internet. Making it available free of charge and
free of most copyright and licensing restrictions.
Removing the barriers to serious research.
