The Associated Press confirmed through nationwide tests, Comcast the U.S. number two Internet provider actively interferes with their high-speed Internet subscribers that share files online, a move that runs counter to the tradition of treating all types of Net traffic equally. This may be the most drastic example yet of data discrimination by a U.S. Internet service provider.

It involves using Comcast company computers masquerading as those of its users. Not so nice Comcast.

Comcast would not specifically address the practice, but spokesman Charlie Douglas confirmed that it uses sophisticated methods to keep Net connections running smoothly. “Comcast does not block access to any applications, including BitTorrent,” he said. Mr. Douglas would not specify what the company means by “access.”

Uploads of complete files are blocked or delayed by the Comcast, as indicated by AP tests. But with “peer-to-peer” technology, users exchange files with each other, and one person’s upload is another’s download. That means Comcast’s blocking of certain uploads has repercussions in the global network of file sharers.

BitTorrent has emerging as a legitimate tool for quickly disseminating legal content. But of course as Comcast blocks this claiming they are managing their network and bandwidth issues, while they sell cable TV, that can be looked at as competition. Still think Net Neutrality needs no more looking into?

The large Internet carriers want to offer preferential treatment of traffic from certain content providers for a fee. Meanwhile they have been caught blocking or slowing down connections to P2P networks and competing VoIP carriers. Comcast has the right to manage its network, but the method appears to be deceptive and discriminatory. Comcast’s interference affects all types of content, meaning that, for instance, an independent movie producer who wanted to distribute his work using BitTorrent and his Comcast connection could find that difficult or impossible.

The FCC’s stance on traffic shaping is not very clear. A 2005 policy statement says that “consumers are entitled to run applications and services of their choice,” but that principle is “subject to reasonable network management.” So when they start blocking iTunes, your Slingbox, your Flickr account, or certain other websites or web services, when does it become NOT good?

Read my post Say NO To “Privatizing” The Internet

    | Tags: intenet, isp, net neutrality