Home > News > 2 Congressional Democrats in Support of Porn-Free Internet Alternative • Bookmark   • Register
Search Options

NEWS STORY

2 Congressional Democrats in Support of Porn-Free Internet Alternative

XBIZ POLL
Do pay site “cross-sells” pose a danger to the online adult industry?
Yes, always
Yes, when they're pre-checked
No, they are a great sales tool
 
Tuesday, Aug 12, 2008    Text size: 
WASHINGTON — Despite resistance from public interest groups and free-speech advocates, two Congressional democrats have expressed their support for a proposal that would create a free Internet alternative that has zero adult content.

Edward Markey, D-Mass., and Anna Eshoo D-Calif., wrote a letter to FCC Chairman Kevin Martin in support of the new porn-free Internet alternative.

"We agree with you that promoting universal broadband is an urgent national priority," they wrote. "However, we are concerned that incumbent wireless carriers are seeking unnecessary and unprecedented testing delays to prevent new innovative competitors from entering the market."

Martin had originally planned to auction off a new part of the broadband spectrum, provided that the winning bidder agrees to keep this new Internet free of adult entertainment.

Unfortunately for Martin, that letter is about the only support he's getting. Wireless companies oppose the idea because the new Internet might interfere with other services delivered over neighboring parts of the spectrum. Some Congressional republicans also oppose the idea, as do many free speech advocates.

The proposed rule itself, available in PDF format at the end of this article, would require that all content on this new Internet be acceptable to a five-year-old audience, and that anyone who wanted to access other content would have to opt into an "adult content" list that would most likely include mainstream websites like the news.

Leslie Harris, president and CEO of the Center for Democracy and Technology, lambasted the proposed rule.

"It's not just the rights of the network's customers that would be trampled in this crazy scheme," said Harris, who spent two decades working as a civil liberties, technology and Internet lawyer. "The service provider charged with implementing this constitutionally suspect scheme would have to assemble a government mandated black list of content to be blocked, thus raising the specter of unconstitutional prior restraint."

Online guru Brandon "Fight the Patent" told XBIZ that although he likes the sound of a free Internet, the idea isn't without fault.

"Sure, it's a great idea to provide access to the Internet for those that can't afford it," he said. "Computers are getting cheaper every day. More families can afford one, and with this new plan, they wouldn't have to pay a monthly fee. Blocking porn isn't a big deal, but it would still be a challenge for network providers to block it, as website operators and surfers will surely fiind each other anyways."

One of the few supporters for the proposed idea includes M2Z Networks, which proposed a porn-free Internet alternative to the FCC in 2006. The FCC turned them down.

According to M2Z, a free, nationwide Internet alternative would save consumers between $18 billion and $32.4 billion per year.

The section of the spectrum to be auctioned is 2155-2180 Mhz.

   
Share this article:
del.icio.us technorati fark
More ways to get XBIZ News:  RSS Feeds  |  E-Newsletters  |  Desktop Widget  |  Mobile
Looking for porn star news and behind-the-scene videos? Check out XFANZ.com !

PROFILES & BIOS

Country Snapshot: Hungary

Birthplace of one of our industry's industrious globetrotting photographers — JFK of FUBAR Webmasters — Hungary came to be regarded as one of the most prosperous emerging European countries after the... More »

WIA Profile: Karen Stagliano

Each month, in conjunction with adult media company XBIZ, a new WIA member is profiled in the pages of XBIZ World and XBIZ Premiere magazines to highlight her career accomplishments, dedication to her... More »

MobileNOBO Brings Video to Mobile

MobileNOBO has released its adult-friendly "send to mobile" button services; offering a real-time video converter that supports more than 700 mobile video formats. According to the company, the system... More »
XBIZ NEWSLETTERS
Stay informed of the latest industry developments. Get XBIZ newsletters delivered to your inbox. Subscribe today!
Enter email address:

* To manage existing subscriptions click here.







POPULAR PRODUCTS & SERVICES
Submit your press release to
multiple news outlets with 1 click.
Subscribe to RSS news feeds or
add free content to your website.
Access XBIZ news and articles
with your mobile device.
XBIZ Premiere™, the industry's premier trade journal, features in-depth and comprehensive business news and information targeted for producers of adult videos, novelty product manufacturers, and retailers - get it today!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Adultcon

Dec 05 - Dec 07
Los Angeles, California

Adult Entertainment Expo

Jan 08 - Jan 11
Las Vegas, Nevada

Internext Las Vegas

Jan 12 - Jan 13
Las Vegas

XBIZ Conference 2009

Feb 10 - Feb 12
Woodland Hills, Ca.
Everyday thousands of business professionals browse XBIZ's industry directory for quality products and services. Not listed yet? Your company could be losing potential new business. Submit your company today!
Use XBIZ RSS feeds to stay informed of the latest industry developments or as a content syndication tool for your website!