FCC Chair To Push For Free, Porn-Free National Internet

Silicon Alley Insider:

During the FCC's December meeting, chair Kevin Martin plans to push for a free, but porn-free Internet service that would be available to all Americans. Reports the Wall Street Journal:

The proposal to allow a no-smut, free wireless Internet service is part of a proposal to auction off a chunk of airwaves. The winning bidder would be required to set aside a quarter of the airwaves for a free Internet service. The winner could establish a paid service that would have a fast wireless Internet connection. The free service could be slower and would be required to filter out pornography and other material not suitable for children. The FCC's proposal mirrors a plan offered by M2Z Networks Inc., a start-up backed by Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers partner John Doerr.

Read the whole story: Silicon Alley Insider

Comments

[BPCentrisAmerican]

I doubt Kevin Martin will have the clout to push for anything, the fact is little Kevin will be gone next month, replaced by a grown up, who will actually be appointed.

[biglover]

AMEN TO THAT, and not a minute too soon IMO

[ResistanceisFutile]

What perversions lie deep down in the heart of this smut smiter? I smell another scam, by the Bushies, on the way.

[turfkiller]

Only if they put the Pope in charge of the paid portion. At least they will still get their religious porn.

They impose and force silence on us so their lies can become our reality. I believe this would define religious porn.

[gaydm]

I think it should be a free, 100% super high speed porn network, completely religion free. If you want censorship, no porn, child proof internet, then you pay for the service.

[OutsiderSA]

This of course would need to include the bi.ble as it also has some "graphic" po.rno.graphic passages...

Oh wait I forgot - that would mean a singular standard, never mind...

[walleymr]

Good luck with that!

[AnnArky]

"Porn free"? by whose definition?

Martin would looking perfect in an SS uniform.

The gOVERnment, you just gotta love 'em.

[Meggie]

I'd rather have them be more concerned about fairness in this media than if my kids are going to see boobies or not.

[RRoadrunner]

Ah nothing like good ole censorship hidden behind the "family values" mantra. Kind of reminds me of hiding behind the flag to rob the country blind. This guy is a rascal of the worst kind. Be afraid, vey afraid of his actions. Look up some of his past ruling before thinking this is a good idea. Like with other medium they are ways to block unwanted content. I for one do not want the government doing it for me

[Stilts9]

This is going to be even less successful than the war on drugs.

[BigHeadTodd]

Dear President-elect Obama:

During your first 100 days, please ditch Martin and re-assign his job at the FCC to a competent person.

Soon we'll evolve into a "Great Firewall" society as seen in places like China,where access to some Internet sites are always forbidden and some blogs and websites are randomly taken down for whatever the government deems is "offensive" material.

[Sumocat]

Free or low-cost broadband Internet access is an idea I've supported for years. If it is to be government mandated, then it should be subjected to the same limits as TV or radio (i.e., no porn). Of course, the way to get around these limits is to pay for the service, as per paid TV channels or satellite radio or the current Internet access offers. I personally will continue to pay for higher speed access, but a free offering for those who can't afford it is a good idea even with restrictions.

[SimJack]

The FCC should be more concerned with how their TV and radio licensees are upholding their obligations for relevant and unbiased content as it benefits the public instead of offering another pay as you go scam that will only benefit a few large corporate players. Parents have access to plenty of filters and it's their responsibility to use them. I'm tired of the government devising new idiotic schemes to regulate what the people do. These incompetent nitwits can't control or regulate the departments and agencies they have in place now so please don't throw any more apples in the cart.

[alieninvader]

Their obligation died with the with the repeal of the Fairness Doctrine.

http://www.commondreams.org/views05/0212-03.htm

[SimJack]

Thanks for that. After reading though, my next questions would have to be directed at whether the founders intended Constitutional rights such as those guaranteed under Amendment 1 that were intended to apply to individuals also extend to corporations? Regardless of how even the Supreme Court has ruled on this in the past doesn't mean that they have it right. The FCC serves Congress, therefore both are beholden to Constitutional rule and, moreover, the people. Probably to simplistic and idealistic to be plausible, yes?

[alieninvader]

Who is going to decide what's suitable or not suitable for children?. If it were left up to me, children could read H uff Post, but not D rudge. That would be wrong, but that's the problem when people with agendas (and we all have agendas) get to choose what's appropriate.

[ScoutandBuckGoodDogs]

If they get rid of porn, they have to get rid of all religion too. Gotta go the extreme in both directions. No fundementalist sites selling modest swimsuits. Guess the Duggars are out! Course... it's the fundementalists who are having the most children so WHO is using the porn??!?!?!

[Meggie]

But there is some porn in religious texts. Or at least it could be interpreted that way.
Interesting study written up in the New Yorker suggesting that more ignorant no-sex-ed children have sex by age 16 and have more related diseases and children out of wedlock. Children with more info are more goal oriented and take care of them selves better - also put off sex until a little older. These would be the kids with access to internet as it is - porn and all.

[000Jade000]

Porn-free Internet service?!

We have far bigger concerns than Internet porn in this country. With our luck, the "porn-free service" would be completely censored Internet service that would brainwash all of those using it.

There are plenty of ways to keep porn off of our computers. Parents can use various software or parental controls; adults can choose not to Google XXX.