Steven Colbert has discussed the concept of “Wikiality” on his show: that on Wikipedia, reality is whatever the majority wants it to be. We find evidence for this contention on the Wikipedia entry for network neutrality:
The debate has moved into the regulatory and legislative arena in a somewhat unusual way, because those who prefer to leave the status quo unchanged are advocating legislation in the U.S. to formalize elements of “net neutrality.” Those would want to change by introducing “non-neutrality” do not presently want any further legislation.
The two proposed versions of “neutrality” legislation to date would prohibit: (1) the “tiering” of broadband through sale of voice- or video-oriented Quality of Service packages; and (2) content- or service-sensitive blocking or censorship on the part of broadband carriers. These bills have been sponsored by Representatives Markey, Sensenbrenner, et. al., and Senators Snowe, Dorgan, and Wyden. Advocates of continuing with the status quo include content providers such as Google, Yahoo!, Microsoft and several prominent social-action non-profits, and media critics such as Robert McChesney.
It’s fun to watch whoever wrote that twist himself into semantic pretzels to portray the advocates of change as defenders of the status quo without saying anything that’s literally untrue. Here’s a less truthy way of saying the same thing: Those who advocate the status quo of a regulation-free Internet oppose new regulation, while those who want to change the status quo are urging Congress to enact new regulations.
The Technology Liberation Front is the tech policy blog dedicated to keeping politicians' hands off the 'net and everything else related to technology.
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