Iranian Use Of Internet Censorship Technology Illustrates Its Risk to a Free and Open Internet
For Immediate Release
June 29, 2009
Contact: Eric London
202-986-9805
Iranian Use Of Internet Censorship Technology Illustrates Its Risk to a Free and Open Internet: OIC Calls on Congress to Investigate Deep Packet Inspection Deployment in US
Today, the Open Internet Coalition sent a letter to all Senators and Members of the House of Representatives calling on immediate hearings on the deployment of "deep packet inspection" (DPI) technology across the Internet by US Internet providers.
"Recent events in Iran have highlighted the Internet’s power to promote free and open societies," said Markham Erickson, Executive Director of the OIC. "Tools like Twitter, Facebook and other social networking tools allow users to engage in free expression in the face of repressive regimes."
"Unfortunately, a recent report in the Wall Street Journal alleges DPI is being used by the government of Iran to choke off open and free dialogue. Before this same type of equipment is deployed widely across US Internet networks, Congress must take a close look at this technology. Policymakers must understand the implications of this deployment so we can make the right decisions and protect against its misuse in the United States."
The letter to Congress is available here: http://www.openinternetcoalition.org/files/OIC_DPI_Iran_062909.pdf
About the Open Internet Coalition: The Open Internet Coalition (www.openinternetcoalition.com) represents consumers, grassroots organizations, and businesses working in pursuit of a shared goal: keeping the Internet fast, open and accessible to all Americans.
