'The end of the internet as we know it'?

Does a deal between Google and Verizon threaten the most basic principle of the internet — namely, that all information is treated equally?

Soon, all web content might not be treated equally.
(Image credit: Corbis)

Google and Verizon are reportedly on the cusp of an agreement that would, according to some commentators, do away with the long-held principle that all online content has equal priority. According to The New York Times, Google would agree not to launch a challenge were Verizon to institute a system offering preferential — that is, speedier — delivery "if the content's creators are willing to pay for the privilege." With Google and Verizon both denying that a deal is in the works, are "net neutrality" advocates overreacting? (Watch an MSNBC report about the reported deal)

R.I.P., internet: This deal "marks the beginning of the end of the Internet as you know it," says Josh Silver in the Huffington Post. Because internet giants like Verizon, Comcast and Google have "near-complete control of Capitol Hill," they have the power to pick the "winners and losers" of the internet. This would demolish the egalitarian nature of the web by giving preference to "massive media corporations."

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