Coalition Opposes Net Neutrality

A coalition including the Discovery Institute sent the following letter to members of the United States Senate opposing “network neutrality” proposals under consideration in various committees.

Dear Senator:

We write to you with concern about the effects “network neutrality” proposals will have on the efficacy of the Internet. The Internet is invaluable to us and our constituencies. Any federal action that could halt or hinder our use of the Internet is most unwelcome.

The Internet has been greatly helpful to us and our constituencies in many ways, including allowing us to make our resources available to a global audience. However, as the amount of morally deleterious content, such as pornography and gratuitous violence, has grown on the Internet, the ability to monitor our children’s access has become more and more of a challenge. It is only with the development of new technologies and increasing competition among content service providers that parents are able to arm themselves with the tools needed to control inappropriate content in their homes. Furthermore, with many parents in our constituencies seeking alternative choices to the public school system, the Internet provides those who choose options such as home-schooling with a virtual community and access to other like-minded parents who they can share with and learn from. Ten years ago this didn’t exist. Today, parents are no longer beholden to a government-run system with few or no alternatives.

Telecommunications and cable companies have spent billions of dollars creating the high-speed networks we know as broadband. They are spending billions more to update their networks and extend broadband access to more Americans. These new networks will create a system that will allow for more sophisticated content (like video streaming) to move even faster than it does today, and to allow more of it to travel to Americans and others across the globe.

Some online content-provider companies are attempting to use fear to encourage the adoption of “network neutrality” laws. They claim that these broadband providers will block content and discriminate against information they don’t agree with and so they must be regulated by such laws. We believe it more likely that “network neutrality” laws will actually discourage broadband providers from continuing to enhance the flow and security of online communication. A scheme like “network neutrality” would only serve to limit ourselves to everyone’s detriment. We encourage you to oppose such “network neutrality” proposals that are brought to your attention.

Thank you for your time and for your service to the American people in the United States Senate.

Abstinence Clearinghouse

AdvanceUSA

American Coalition for Fathers & Children

Americans for Tax Reform

Catholic Advocacy Network

Center for Moral Clarity

Discovery Institute

Fidelis

Massachusetts Family Institute

Morality in Media

Religious Freedom Coalition

Traditional Values Coalition