What is the Save the Internet Campaign about?

The Save the Internet campaign, initiated by FreePress.org, was sparked by comments by representatives of the large broadband provider sector signalling their intention to take more control over the Internet traffic that passes through their pipes and gateways.

At the moment there is little or no discrimination. Content originating from a mega corporation has the same priority as the latest garage start-up. In other words, we have a relatively neutral Internet, which has given rise to the term "net neutrality".

The telcos argue that Internet Service Providers (ISP) should be able to discriminate between content for commercial reasons. This is the only way, they argue, they can achieve their profit objectives and attract the necessary capital to maintain and grow the infrastructure.

Grassroots organisations like Save the Internet argue that such control would create a tiered Internet where those who can afford the tolls, like the established mega-corporations, will have not only priority access to the Internet, but also will start to exert control over content to enhance their commercial ends.

The whole Internet, they argue, could become like Cable TV where the content is carefully controlled to maximize profit. This would undermine the free-flowing nature of the Internet, stifle innovation and even undermine democratic processes because such control over such a pervasive media could be used for political ends.