It's The End of The Internet As We Know It

If only this were the title of a new REM song.  This worries me.

Josh Silver: Google-Verizon Deal: The End of The Internet as We Know It

For years, Internet advocates have warned of the doomsday scenario that will play out on Monday: Google and Verizon will announce a deal that the New York Times reports 'could allow Verizon to speed some online content to Internet users morequickly if the content's creators are willing to pay for the privilege.'

The deal marks the beginning of the end of the Internet as you know it. Since its beginnings, the Net was a level playing field that allowed all content to move at the same speed, whether it's ABC News or your uncle's video blog. That's all about to change, and the result couldn't be more bleak for the future of the Internet, for television, radio and independent voices.

How did this happen? We have a Federal Communications Commission that has been denied authority by the courts to police the activities of Internet service providers like Verizon and Comcast. All because of a bad decision by the Bush-era FCC."

(Continued... Josh Silver: Google-Verizon Deal: The End of The Internet as We Know It)