Richard Trumka, "They're trying to take the Internet" [View all]

[TexasProgresive]

This year, they tried to take our cupcakes and our football referees. Now, they're
trying to take the Internet.

We don't usually email you about internet rights, but this is big. Next week, a UN
conference in Dubai will consider amendments to a treaty that would significantly
infringe on our internet policy.

This isn't hyperbole-the Internet as we know it is at risk. Sign the petition, and
support freedom of association and freedom of speech on the internet. [
act.aflcio.org/c/18/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=5157&tag=em20121203 ]

The International Telecommunications Union (or ITU), a United Nations agency, is
considering new rules that could clamp down on the fundamental freedoms of citizens
online. A group of giant internet corporations and countries, including China, Egypt
and Saudi Arabia-countries that already impose heavy restrictions on internet
freedoms-have put forward proposed regulatory changes to the UN World Conference on
International Telecommunications in December 3.

Under their proposals, governments and companies all over the world have much more
scope to restrict internet access and monitor what we do online.

So far the proposal has flown under the radar, but its implications are so serious
that we're mobilizing right now to make sure that the ITU and its member countries
know that we won't let them take away our right to free speech online. And this
won't just have repercussions in the US-people in poorer countries and under
dictatorships would be hurt even more.

If accepted, the changes would allow:
* Increased government restriction or blocking of information disseminated via the
internet;
* Creation of a global regime of monitoring internet communications, including the
demand that those who send and receive information identify themselves ;
* Requirement that the Internet only be used in a 'rational' way;
* Governments to shut down internet access if they decide that it may interfere in
the internal affairs of countries or that information of a 'sensitive nature'
might be shared;
* Introduction of a new pricing regime which would increase costs and slow down
internet growth, especially in the poorer countries.


So many workers are affected by internet policy, even if we don't think about it as
we go about our day. The Internet represents one of the few places in our world that
is open and accessible by everyone. We need to make sure our voices are heard before
US representatives head to the conference.

Stop the proposal to restrict the Internet in its tracks by signing right now:

go.aflcio.org/Stop-The-Net-Grab [
act.aflcio.org/c/18/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=5157&tag=em20121203 ]

In Solidarity,

Richard Trumka
President, AFL-CIO

*****

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Edit to add link to petition:
http://act.aflcio.org/c/18/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=5157