Facebook Breaks With Google on Net Neutrality

When Google teamed up with Verizon on Monday to announce a set of proposed rules to govern Internet access, Google’s former allies in the years-long campaign for net neutrality were among its most vocal critics.

A slew of public interest groups that, along with Google, are part of the Open Internet Coalition, slammed the company for putting together a proposal that they said betrayed net neutrality principles. Other Internet heavyweights that are part of the coalition, like Amazon and eBay, appeared to be concerned with Google’s compromise, but were less vocal about it.

On Wednesday, Facebook became the most prominent Internet company to part ways with Google.  In a statement, Facebook, which is also part of the coalition, suggested that exempting wireless networks from net neutrality rules, as proposed by Google and Verizon, was the wrong approach.

The company said: “Facebook continues to support principles of net neutrality for both landline and wireless networks. Preserving an open Internet that is accessible to innovators — regardless of their size or wealth — will promote a vibrant and competitive marketplace where consumers have ultimate control over the content and services delivered through their Internet connections.” Continue Reading