Comcast presented a classic case for the need for net neutrality protections in its interference with peer-to-peer file transfers including BitTorrent application software. The Associated Press (AP) investigated and verified that BitTorrent files were being stopped during transfer by use of commands mimicking communications from the user. When asked about the AP findings, Comcast denied the allegations and then circulated a memo to employees, directing that replies to future questions state: ?We do not block access to any applications, including BitTorrent. We also respect our customers' privacy and don't monitor specific customer activities on the Internet or track individual online behavior, such as which websites they visit. Therefore, we do not know whether any individual user is visiting BitTorrent or any other site.

?We have a responsibility to provide all of our customers with a good experience online and we use the latest technologies to manage our network. This is standard practice for ISPs and network operators all over the world.?

Comcast is trying to determine who leaked the memo. Sandvine company (headquartered in Ontario) is contracted to manage Comcast?s data handling. (That could make Comcast?s statement above literally true, right?) And further research showed that other applications, including Gnutella file sharing and Lotus Notes messages with large attached files, were similarly blocked.

Comcast is not unusual in wanting to manage the information transmitted on its network. The largest U.S. broadband provider, AT&T, changed its terms of service for digital subscriber lines (DSL) to allow termination of accounts using their network ?to damage the name or reputation of AT&T.? Online criticism (from Verizon or Comcast customers?) helped force AT&T to quickly back off this change.

Many commercial tools are available from various communication technology providers to control data transfer, to track usage, and to capture user information. Such tools make it easy to cross the line from commercially motivated data discrimination into full-fledged political censorship - such as Verizon Wireless? recent blocking of pro-choice text messages to interested recipients.

A fascinating view of current internet censorship across the globe is available from the OpenNet Initiative (ONI)-a collaborative effort by university groups from Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard, and the University of Toronto. They have found evidence of government-led filtering of internet traffic in China, Ethiopia, Iran, Myanmar, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, and other countries. Blocking pornography is often the top focus in many countries, but other reasons include silencing political opposition, curtailing efforts to expose human rights abuses, preventing international communications and exposure, and enforcing religious doctrine. Recent ONI findings reveal chilling pictures of government shutdown of the internet and mobile phone service during Burma?s violent stifling of political protests in September and October, and during President Musharraf?s suspension of the Constitution of Pakistan in November. Visit ONI?s website, www.opennet.net, and take to heart the blatant suppression of free speech documented there.

Jean Coughlin is a retired IT worker and Co-Editor of The Right of Way.

Additional information:

EFF tests agree with AP: Comcast is forging packets to interfere with user traffic

AP tests Comcast's file-sharing filter

Comcast Sued Over Web Interference