ECA Joins Fight for Net Neutrality

The Entertainment Consumers Association has officially joined SaveTheInternet.com and Games for Change to launch the Gamers for Net Neutrality initiative. The ECA hopes to get gamers involved in the movement and educate them about the dangers of a corporate controlled internet.

“Gamers make up a large percentage of Internet users, so our goal with the launch of Gamers for Net Neutrality is to raise awareness and increase advocacy within this space,” said Jennifer Mercurio, ECA director of government affairs in a statement.

The GamersforNetNeutrality.org website serves as an educational resource for gamers as well as a rallying point for those who oppose an internet controlled by big business.

According to SaveTheInternet.com, telcom companies such as AT&T, Comcast, Time Warner and Verizon are maneuvering to become Internet “gatekeepers,” manipulating content to their own advantage. Although gamers will be greatly affected by this movement, anyone who uses the internet should sit up and take notice.

“They want to discriminate in favor of their own search engines, Internet phone services, and streaming video — while slowing down or blocking their competitors,” states SaveTheInternet.com.

“Net Neutrality is the single biggest public policy issue facing our communities today - as educators, non-profits, small businesses and the arts, we all deserve open and equal access to the Internet,” said Games for Change president Suzanne Seggerman.

One of the big changes in the currently neutral net would be in connection speeds, which would affect console and PC gamers alike as more games feature online play.

“Why let the telecom giants dictate what speed we play our games, view our video, or listen to music? Gamers, as one of the largest audiences on the Internet, need to act now - before it’s too late.”

via Next Generation