President Obama Launches Net Neutrality Petition Aimed At FCC

A net neutrality petition has been launched by a very powerful source — the President of the United States.

It’s no secret that President Obama opposes the end of net neutrality, and now he’s ready to let FCC head Tom Wheeler know in a formal fashion with the help of whoever’s willing to sign.

By going to the official Barack Obama website, all you have to do to sign is enter your email and your zip code — and your name, if you want — and you’ll receive an email that states the following.

Thanks for adding your name to OFA’s petition to support the President’s plan on net neutrality. With your support, OFA volunteers will deliver a powerful message to the FCC.

This is a really big deal:

Keeping the internet open and free is good for pretty much anyone who uses it — and it’s good for our economy, too. The internet shouldn’t have gatekeepers — no service provider should be able to block legal online content, or prioritize one site’s speed over another because it paid a fee.

We need you to spread the word today — ask three friends to sign this petition alongside your name:

http://my.barackobama.com/Fight-for-Net-Neutrality

Thanks — more soon,

Organizing for Action

Still reeling from the massive losses on Election Night, President Obama has been looking for a political victory and the net neutrality petition is likely a slam dunk.

Most Internet users oppose ending net neutrality or creating “Internet fast lanes” for those who can afford it because it would, theoretically, stack the deck against start-ups and small Internet businesses forever, effectively stymieing the Internet as a tool for research and innovation.

Since the Internet is so vital to daily life, many also feel it should be reclassified as a utility.

Companies like Comcast have wanted to end net neutrality because they would be able to charge content providers in addition to consumers for delivery of Internet service.

Netflix has already spoken out against the end of net neutrality, going as far to post transfer speeds showing a clear throttling of service by Internet providers. The company eventually agreed to pay higher fees in order to speed up service.

Critics — Netflix included — have referred to the throttling of Internet speeds as “extortion.”

What do you think, readers? Will President Obama score a political victory with the launch of his net neutrality petition? Will you sign?

[Image via Flickr Creative Commons /Joseph Gruber]