The internet may look a little different Wednesday morning.
Google, Facebook, Netflix, Twitter, and other top websites and organizations have joined together for a "Day of Action" to protest proposed regulatory rollbacks requiring internet service providers to treat all data and customers equally online and encourage consumers to give their feedback on the Federal Communications Commission's website.
Banners, pop-ups, push notifications and videos will be across participating websites, urging visitors to tell the FCC what they think. Don't be surprised if you see your friends changing their social media avatars or profile pictures, too.
Google declined to share specifics about its involvement, but users searching "what is net neutrality" or "net neutrality day of action" will get a call-out box with information at the top of their results.
"In true internet fashion, every site is participating in its own way," Evan Greer, campaign director of Fight for the Future, told NBC News. "Most are using our widgets that allow visitors to easily submit comments to the FCC and Congress without ever leaving the page that they're on. Many are getting creative and writing their own code or displaying their own banners in support of net neutrality that point to action tools."
What's It All About?
The critical issue is whether the internet be an all-you-can-eat buffet of information, videos, and LOLCAT memes; or an à la carte menu. Should internet providers be allowed to strike deals to deliver some kinds of content, such as their own or those partners have paid them for, at a faster speed? Should the internet be more like cable, where you subscribe to a package of sports, entertainment, and news websites?
- More than 80,000 websites are taking part in an online protest against the FCC's plans to roll back net neutrality rules.
- Facebook, Amazon and Google are among those participating.
- Websites will display a message urging people to send a letter to the FCC.
