Google’s mission statement contains the words “don’t be evil.” But a just-announced deal between Google and Verizon could kill Net Neutrality — the notion that all data on the Internet deserves equal treatment, regardless of whether it comes from a giant corporation or an individual or small nonprofit group.

The Federal Communications Commission doesn’t have to do Verizon and Google’s bidding. Click here to ask it to protect Net Neutrality today.

large polluting corporations like Exxon, Duke Energy and BP have virtually unlimited resources they can spend on lobbying, TV ads, and — thanks to the abhorrent Citizens United Supreme Court decision — political campaigns.

The Internet is one of the few arenas in which public interest advocates are on equal footing with, say, Massey Coal. The Internet makes it possible  to inform you about the latest environmental news, and about what Washington is — or isn’t — doing in response. The Internet is also a crucial organizing tool. It provides you with opportunities to take action, and connects you with others who share your commitment to people and the planet.

Take action to protect equal access to the Internet. We’ll send copies of your note to your representatives in Congress.

Google’s deal with Verizon seeks to exempt wireless Internet (which more Americans are using each day) and other services from Net Neutrality protections. Their plan? To create two separate, unequal sections of the Internet — one for big business that would be high-speed and exclusive, and then the inferior, slow “public Internet” that would be available to you and me. The reported Google-Verizon deal would allow giant corporations to control which websites load quickly and easily on the Internet and dump everyone else onto an Internet slow lane.

It shouldn’t be up to Verizon or Google to decide what information you can see online or cut deals to speed up certain content. There have already been instances where Verizon has blocked text messages to activists¹. Our ability to spread the truth about environmental issues and advocate effectively shouldn’t depend on our getting permission from phone and cable companies. Corporate polluters shouldn’t be allowed to place content in a new Internet fast lane that nonprofit environmental groups can’t afford.

If you agree, I hope you’ll join me in contacting the FCC today.

http://action.foe.org/action/protect-an-open-internet

¹ http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/27/us/27verizon.html

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