Tech companies rally against Web fast lanes

The Internet wasn't slowing down, but a special version of that dreaded "spinning wheel of death" popped up on numerous online sites as pages were being loaded.

The loading symbol on Netflix, Reddit, Kickstarter, Etsy and dozens of other sites urged users to protest possible new federal rules that would allow faster, more reliable streaming speeds for companies willing and able to pay extra. Critics argue that such rules would severely crimp or kill the long-time principle of network neutrality, which calls on Internet service providers, or ISPs, to treat all legal content online equally. On what was dubbed Internet Slowdown Day, the online firms urged users to contact lawmakers and the Federal Communications Commission, which is considering the proposed rule changes.