The Nation's Airwaves

In the recent past, there have been several incidents of large telecommunications companies blocking content either send user-to-user or from a third-party provider to an end user. For example, Verizon blocked text messages to its clients sent from the pro-choice group NARAL. The company later claimed it was a glitch and that all future messages would be passed through to the end users that had dealings with NARAL. Similarly, AT&T blocked out parts of a Pearl Jam concert sent to its video phones in which lead singer Eddie Vedder criticized President Bush. Again, a technical glitch was claimed.

Furthermore, as SavetheInternet.com notes:

Both Verizon and AT&T illegally handed over private customer phone records to the National Security Agency. The phone companies first denied it and then started a secret campaign with the White House to gain immunity from any lawsuits.

This pattern of abuse shows that powerful phone companies cannot be trusted to safeguard our basic freedoms. The democratic principles of free speech and open communication are too important to be entrusted to corporate gatekeepers. Whether it's liberal or conservative, Democrat or Republican, pro-choice or pro-gun, the phone companies can't pick and choose what messages get through.

Censorship by AT&T and Verizon shows us what we can expect in a future where these network gatekeepers gain control over the free flow of information. Congress must reaffirm its commitment to free speech on the Internet, on cell phones, on our airwaves -- everywhere!

Now, in the main, private companies can censor materials at will, absent some contract that prohibits them form doing so. However, these telecommunications comanies operate using our air waves. The communications spectrum in this country belongs to the people of the United States. We have the right to set the rules under which these companies will operate and demand that free speech in the marketplace being upheld. SavetheInternet.com has an easy-to-use form that will enable you to let your Congressional delegation know that you want these companies held accountable in the arena of free speech.

2 October 2007