MSM: Google and Verizon DID do a deal for new internet ‘first class’ superhighway

(UKDailyMail) – Technology giants Google and Verizon have today paved the way for a future ‘two-tier’ internet in which companies can pay extra to make sure their services get through.

In a joint statement the two firms called for a new, premium connection which would let internet service providers, such as Virgin, charge more for certain services over faster, higher-quality lines.

But critics have accused Google and Verizon of plotting to carve up the internet to suit big, established firms like themselves.

FSB Wants to Shut Down Sites at Will

(MoscowTimes) – Prosecutors may get to shut down web sites over extremism charges for an unlimited time if the State Duma passes new legislation drafted by the Federal Security Service, Vedomosti reported Friday.

Internet service providers will be obliged to shut down web sites within three days upon receiving a “motivated letter” from prosecutors, according to the draft.

Sites will be able to return online only after a court rules that they did not violate anti-extremism laws. Even if a web site wins its case, it may be kept offline for up to a month from the day it was suspended.

The FSB legislation is to be a part of a raft of amendments to the 1995 information law that is being prepared by the Communications and Press Ministry. – Source: Moscow Times

MSM: New U.S. Push to Regulate Internet Access

(WallStreetJournal) – In a move that will stoke a battle over the future of the Internet, the federal government plans to propose regulating broadband lines under decades-old rules designed for traditional phone networks.

The decision, by Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski, is likely to trigger a vigorous lobbying battle, arraying big phone and cable companies and their allies on Capitol Hill against Silicon Valley giants and consumer advocates.

Breaking a deadlock within his agency, Mr. Genachowski is expected Thursday to outline his plan for regulating broadband lines. He wants to adopt “net neutrality” rules that require Internet providers like Comcast Corp. and AT&T Inc. to treat all traffic equally, and not to slow or block access to websites.

The decision has been eagerly awaited since a federal appeals court ruling last month cast doubt on the FCC’s authority over broadband lines, throwing into question Mr. Genachowski’s proposal to set new rules for how Internet traffic is managed. The court ruled the FCC had overstepped when it cited Comcast in 2008 for slowing some customers’ Internet traffic.  Read More Here

Court: FCC has no power to regulate Net neutrality

(CNet) – The Federal Communications Commission does not have the legal authority to slap Net neutrality regulations on Internet providers, a federal appeals court ruled Tuesday.

FBI wants records kept of Web sites visited

(CNet) – The FBI is pressing Internet service providers to record which Web sites customers visit and retain those logs for two years, a requirement that law enforcement believes could help it in investigations of child pornography and other serious crimes.

Video: Secret Global Copyright Agreement will be Executive Order

(Fox) – Judge Napolitano & Shelly Roche on ACTA – November 18, 2009

Video: Homeland Security Could Block Websites During Swine Flu Pandemic

The government is being encouraged to prepare to block websites and Internet traffic in the event of a worsening swine flu pandemic that results in network congestion, a move that represents a potential end run around the agenda to regulate the world wide web.

Net neutrality in Europe to be decided at dinner tonight

European telecommunications ministers could decide tonight whether to endorse a net neutrality clause in the long-awaited Telecoms Package.

Hundreds Of ISPs Refuse To Go Along With Big Brother Spy System

Communications firms warn of unprecedented extension of state powers