Legislative Efforts

Two pieces of legislation that would create net neutrality requirements are currently pending before the U.S. House of Representatives. The first bill, H.R. 5353, the “Internet Freedom Preservation Act of 2008,” introduced in the House Telecommunications Subcommittee on February 13, 2008, would write a policy of openness for the Internet into the Communications Act. This policy would include the idea that consumers have the freedom to choose and service providers have the freedom to provide the content, services and applications of their choice without fear of discrimination by a network provider.

The second bill, H.R. 5994, the “Internet Freedom and Nondiscrimination Act of 2008,” introduced on May 8, 2008 in the House Judiciary Committee, would prohibit broadband providers from discriminating between entities that offer services and applications over the Internet. For example, Comcast would not be allowed to prioritize Sony Music’s website over that of its competitors. If passed, each of these bills would provide a powerful means for enforcing net neutrality.

Musicians supporting net neutrality can make their voices heard by joining the Future of Music Coalition’s Rock the Net campaign. Public Knowledge’s website, will help you stay informed about important developments in this field.