Network Neutrality Activists Target Google as Talks Heat Up

Network Neutrality activists and left-leaning interest groups are launching an online advertising campaign targeting Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin for the company's recently announced agreement about web traffic delivery with Verizon Communications.

Google has long been a supporter of net neutrality - the idea that Internet providers can't deliberately block or slow data traffic - however the company's recent legislative proposal with Verizon prompted some activists to suggest the search giant had sold out on the issue. The Google-Verizon proposal would have given the FCC limited authority to police Internet lines. But it would have allowed Verizon and other Internet providers to create special prioritized lanes of Internet traffic for companies willing to pay extra. It also wouldn't have imposed network neutrality rules on wireless Internet networks. "We're continuing to rally the public, including techies in Silicon Valley, against Google's decision to be evil and harm the free and open Internet," said Jason Rosenbaum, senior online campaigns director for the Progressive Change Campaign Committee. The group is spending "tens of thousands" on the online advertising campaign, said PCCC communications director Adam Green.