Netflix to Join ‘Internet Slowdown Day’ Net Neutrality Protest


Netflix is the latest tech giant to join the September 10 online protest, Internet Slowdown day. In a statement from Netflix, which streams online videos, the company said they believe that “consumers, not broadband gatekeepers, should pick the winners and losers of the Internet.”

Netflix is the latest site to join scores of others participating in the Internet slowdown, including Digg, Reddit, Mozilla, Upworthy, Imgur, Etsy, and Foursquare, according to the National Journal.

The Internet Slowdown stems from a 2010 regulation by the Federal Communications Commission aimed at stopping providers like giant Comcast from blocking websites and “unreasonably” discriminating against Internet traffic. Earlier this year, a federal court axed the rules.

The addition of Netflix to Internet Slowdown day means a major boost in visibility for the campaign that is a protest against those federal government controls. According to Alexa, Netflix is the 25th most popular website on the Internet.

The company won’t actually slow down video streams on September 10, but will show a “symbolic buffering symbol” on their site as part of the protest.

Netflix spokesperson Anne Marie Squeo told the National Journal that making some kind of statement in favor of net neutrality rules is crucial.

“Strong net neutrality rules are needed to stop Internet service providers from demanding extra fees or slowing delivery of content to consumers who already have paid for Internet access,” said Squeo in a statement.

High-profile individuals have also lent their voices to support the Internet Slowdown. Political commentator and journalist Bill Moyers said on his website that the online protest is a chance to speak out for online equality.

“This Wednesday, September 10, you can show the world how you feel about a free and open Internet that’s available to all, with no ‘fast lanes’ giving better access to those with the thickest wallets,” said Moyer.

Media reform groups Free Press Action Fund and Fight for the Future are urging all sites from the smallest personal blogs to the biggest sites to take part in the protest.

A symbolic Internet Slowdown for one day is intended to give people an idea of what it would be to go online if Internet providers were allowed to charge more for faster access. Without net neutrality, content providers that pay more would get favored access and some sites could even be censored.

Internet Slowdown day comes just before the September 15 deadline for public comment to the Federal Communications Commission about Net neutrality.

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