Facebook Enters the Google-Verizon Net Neutrality Debate

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Facebook has entered the net neutrality debate with a statement critical of the key provisions of Google and Verizon’s net neutrality proposal.

Ever since we found out Google and Verizon were in talks over net neutrality’s future, the web has been awash with an endless stream of opinions, most of them expressing outrage. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is not happy, and neither is the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF).

Facebook , it seems, isn’t a fan of the Google - Verizon proposal as it’s currently written. Here is the company’s statement (emphasis ours):

“Facebook continues to support principles of net neutrality for both landline and wireless networks. Preserving an open Internet (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.”

There are several sections of the proposal that trouble a lot of people, but the biggest sticking point is the exclusion of wireless networks from net neutrality regulations. Verizon and Google exclude it from their proposal for wired connections because “imposition of too many rules up front would not allow us to optimize this network in a fashion that would supercharge the growth we’ve seen in the past.” Critics say that Google and Verizon are trying to protect their own interests, especially their highly profitable Android (Android) partnership.

Facebook’s statement doesn’t surprise us; the Google and Facebook are now at war, and allowing Google to define net neutrality on its own terms presents a grave threat to the social network’s business.

For now, expect more of these nuanced statements from all of the parties involved — that is, until the Google-Verizon proposal makes its way to Congress. That’s where you’ll find the real fireworks.