NNSquad - Network Neutrality Squad
[ NNSquad ] Push Continues for Mandated Internet Access Bans
Greetings. It's reported that while ISPs are still hoping for voluntary agreements, there is a push onward in the surveillance society of the United Kingdom to terminate the Internet access of file sharers declared to be downloading in an illegal manner (however this might be defined by the MPAA, RIAA, and cohort groups, one would assume). This "London Times" article notes some of the practical issues involved: http://timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/the_web/article3353387.ece Without getting into the details of such proposals here, I find myself increasingly concerned about the very concept of people being "Banned From the Internet" -- and what the ramifications of such bans would be. Since a user tossed from one ISP would presumably try to move to another (where real ISP competition exists, anyway) it would seem that such bans would not be "effective" unless a "banned user blacklist" were in place, and even then we can assume that such users will attempt to find other public or private access points, or resort to using open Wi-Fi access points (a technology issue that the article above does note). Until recently, the only Internet access bans I've heard of being proposed or implmented are court-ordered for particular high-profile hackers, child molesters, and the like. Even these would often be highly problematic if they *were* somehow completely effective. The reason is simple. Internet access is rapidly becoming a foundational utility in our modern societies, like ordinary voice telephone service has been for decades. Ever increasing numbers of commercial and government functions -- and all manner of necessary information services of course -- depend primarily or completely on Internet access, even as non-Net alternatives dwindle or are surcharged. Unless we wish to create an entire new underclass of "Netless Persons" unable to function on par with most members of society -- a situation that would be sure to bring with it a range of unintended negative consequences for society itself -- we should think long and hard about whether or not the concept of banning persons from the Net makes any more sense than ordering that someone live without basic phone service or even electricity. --Lauren-- NNSquad Moderator