When it comes to the Internet, Californians are pioneers. The Bay Area has been the most vocal in the national fight for Net Neutrality, and there's a reason: the open Internet is why so many trailblazing new artists, technologies and businesses were born in this state. On Nov. 20, concerned Internet users and a coalition of advocacy organizations are gathering at San Francisco City Hall to hold a people's hearing on the future of the Internet.
The Net Neutrality debate is moving fast on the heels of a record-breaking summer where millions of people spoke out against an FCC proposal that would permit large Internet providers to charge fees for access to parts of the Web. And by early next year, the FCC is slated to make a decision on a highly controversial merger between Comcast and Time Warner Cable -- a move that could lead to less consumer choice and less diversity online.
Organizations including ColorOfChange.org, Common Cause, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, Free Press, the Media Action Grassroots Network (MAG-Net), and the Media Alliance are inviting the diverse communities of the Bay Area to speak out and join local leaders, policy experts, technologists, and elected officials to testify at City Hall about why the future of the Internet matters to us.
This event is free and open to the public.
Thursday, November 20th
5:30 p.m.: Rally outside
6 p.m.: Doors open for light refreshments
7 p.m.: Hearing begins
Where: San Francisco City Hall; 1 Dr Carlton B Goodlett Place
Join us for a rally outside City Hall at 5:30 p.m., and then come in at 7 p.m. to make your voice heard. Share your story about why the Internet must remain open and free! EFF's own Intellectual Property Directory Corynne McSherry is speaking.
