Google ISP Initiative Raises Eyebrows, Privacy Concerns

In a surprise move yesterday, Google announced via its blog that it intends to enter the internet service provider space, promising to develop experimental “ultra high-speed broadband networks in a small number of trial locations” across the nation.

The move quickly grabbed the attention of some observers of the net neutrality debate, in view of Google’s longstanding backing of the controversial policy. Internet service providers are among the most high-profile opponents of net neutrality, a position that has seen them along with the Communications Workers of America union, many minority and civil rights groups and others pitted on the opposite side of the debate from Google, President Obama, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Julius Genachowski and far-left groups like Free Press. One telecoms policy expert quipped with tongue-in-cheek that if Google was “serious” about the move, those tracking the net neutrality debate could fairly assume that a shift in the company’s views regarding net neutrality would also be forthcoming. “Last I checked, Google was a big company that likes making money. If net neutrality were instituted, internet service provision—including by Google— could end up looking like a loss-making enterprise,” the expert told Capitol Confidential.

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