Controlling the Internet

Governments and corporations are increasingly concerned about political and economic threats posed by a freewheeling, global Internet. Many experts warn the “Net” may fragment into “walled gardens” that block users' freedom to communicate and innovate. In the U.S., telephone and cable companies already have won the right to block competing Internet service providers like Earthlink from using their high-speed broadband lines. Now advocates for an open Internet worry that broadband providers will use their market power to slow or block access to controversial Web sites or competing businesses like Internet telephone. The activists want Congress to require the companies to treat all Internet content the same. Abroad, more nations are expanding broadband access for economic reasons, even as they crack down on citizens who access controversial material or express dissenting opinions via the Net. In the face of such turmoil, civic groups worldwide are seeking new forms of governance to keep the Internet secure and uncensored.