Access Humboldt and Net Neutrality
By Sean McLaughlin, October 21, 2009
Dear FCC Commissioners,
Access Humboldt urges you to support Network Neutrality, the principle that protects choice of content and equal opportunity on the Internet. Network Neutrality is essential for the Internet to support free speech and ethical civic participation.
The Federal Communications Commission must provide strong leadership in setting policies that secure an open and neutral Internet, where everyone can play a part in our democracy.
Without rules to prevent discrimination online, moneyed special interests will have undue influence regarding whose voices are more important and whose views will be heard. Network Neutrality is necessary to ensure the widest possible dissemination of speech.
Without specific protection from the FCC, free speech is unprotected and subject to controlling influence by commercial and special interests. Under current law, or the lack thereof, Internet service providers can block Web sites, content, services or applications they don’t like. And they have, most notably when Comcast secretly interfered with users' ability to access popular video, photo and music-sharing applications; when AT&T censored a political speech by the band Pearl Jam’s lead singer; and when Verizon blocked text messages between a pro-choice organization and its members.
People are seeing more troubling behavior in the marketplace. Internet service providers have stated their intention to deploy discriminatory “deep packet inspection” technology that would allow them to monitor and control the Internet. This dangerous technology would give network providers unprecedented power over Internet users, and it presents a serious threat to online privacy.
The FCC must take action now to affirmatively safeguard the free flow of information on the Web before it’s too late.
Sincerely,
Sean McLaughlin
Executive Director, Access Humboldt
Free Press is a national, nonpartisan organization working to reform the media. Free Press does not support or oppose any candidate for public office. Through education, organizing and advocacy, we promote diverse and independent media ownership, strong public media and universal access to communications.
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Bio
http://zerodivide.org/initiatives/leadership/sean_mclaughlin
Sean McLaughlin is an educator, media access advocate and non-profit executive. He is known for his tendency to live in proximity with spectacular natural environments, an affinity for diverse multi-cultural engagement, a reputation for fearless innovation and a dry eclectic sense of humor.
In July 2006, Sean McLaughlin became the first executive director for Access Humboldt (http://accesshumboldt.net) a community media organization providing local access cable TV channels, broadband network connections, digital media production facilities, training and support for local governments, educational institutions, non-profit organizations and residents of Humboldt County, California USA.
Access Humboldt launched Digital Redwoods, a regional broadband access initiative, in 2007 (http://digitalredwoods.net). Community broadband projects include: Digital Rio Dell, Access Humboldt Libraries, Eureka Muni-Hub, and Digital Redwoods - Cascadia Network.
McLaughlin is a policy wonk – formerly serving as public policy work group chair for the Alliance for Community Media (alliancecm.org) and currently as a Board member for the Alliance for Communications Democracy (theacd.org), and an active member of the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (natoa.org). He has published articles, provided expert testimony before legislative and regulatory agencies, and participated in international conferences around the world – including India, Egypt, Sri Lanka, and Australia.
Previously, McLaughlin was chief executive officer for Akaku: Maui Community Television, providing media access for the Hawaiian islands of Maui, Moloka'i and Lana'i. During his tenure, Akaku grew to include five cable TV channels, low power FM radio and online media services. After serving as vice chair of Maui County's Charter Commission, McLaughlin was named Maui's outstanding non-profit executive director for 2004. He founded and serves as spokesperson for Hawaii Consumers.
Educated at Dartmouth College, McLaughlin taught "Politics of Media" in the 1980’s at the University of Hawai’i (UH-Manoa) and served on the University of Hawaii’s Broadcast Communications Authority as vice chair.
McLaughlin started a successful broadcast media design, production, and consulting firm based in Honolulu. He also served as director of telecommunications for the Honolulu City Council. Many of McLaughlin’s media projects have received national recognition, including: ACE Awards for Cable Excellence; Broadcast Media Awards; an Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties - NACo; Community Broadband Award from National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors; and, numerous other awards and festival showings. He also developed projects as an international news consultant for Hawaii Public Television and the Hawaii based co-production (with NHK-Japan and KCTS-Seattle) Asia Now.