[IP] Google begins effort to find Internet blockers

[David Farber <dave@farber.net>]

Begin forwarded message:

From: "lynn" <lynn@ecgincc.com>
Date: January 28, 2009 3:47:39 PM EST
To: dave@farber.net
Subject: Google begins effort to find Internet blockers

Google begins effort to find Internet blockers

WASHINGTON, Jan 28 (Reuters) - Google Inc (GOOG.O) on Wednesday unveiled
a plan aimed at eventually letting computer users determine whether
providers like Comcast Corp (CMCSA.O) are inappropriately blocking or
slowing their work online.

The scheme is the latest bid in the debate over network neutrality,  
which
pits content companies like Google against some Internet service
providers.

The ISPs say they need to take reasonable steps to manage ever-growing
traffic on their networks for the good of all users. Content and
applications companies fear the providers have the power to  
discriminate,
favoring some traffic over others.

Google will provide academic researchers with 36 servers in 12 locations
in the United States and Europe to analyze data, said its chief Internet
guru, Vint Cerf, known as the "father of the Internet." [[ I will not  
entertain yells re Fatherhood djf]]

snip





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