Net neutrality

In his PhD dissertation written three years ago, Toni Sant pointed out the threats to net neutrality in the arts, especially non-mainstream arts. The question of network neutrality is now an issue in the US following the attempt by members of Congress to push the Communications Opportunity, Promotion and Enhancement Act, or COPE Act. Toni Sant explains:

..This new law could abandon a principle called "network neutrality" that prevents the major telecommunication companies (like AT&T, Verizon, Time Warner Cable, and Comcast) from deciding which websites work best for you, based on what site pays them the most. This means that while we currently enjoy equal access to any site on the web, we could be seeing major corporations and commercial interests sidestepping everybody else in delivering their wares. The scariest part is that the bill has the support of members from both sides of the house, even if there are many Democrats against it. CNET's News.com has an excellent blow-by-blow account...

If this law passes in America, it may eventually be adopted elsewhere too, possibly through a UN treaty like the one proposed via WIPO, which seems to be expanding relatively freely in the wake of the DMCA. Coupled with DRM, the end of net neutrality could result in more restrictions on creativity and innovation over the coming years...