Open Networks: Creating a Climate of Democracy and Opportunity

The Internet has developed as an open network; that is, a network without hierarchical controls through which users can communicate with one another on equal footing. We believe that this should also be the model for future development of telecommunications networks, especially in the context of a commitment to universal access. This means:

1. Two-way communications. Users should be able originate as well as receive a full array of text, data, graphics, video, and audio. This will enable a broader range of individuals and communities to fully participate in the network, as both producers and consumers of content.

2. User-defined search capability. Users should be able to search for information on the network according to their needs and interests, using parameters of their own choice. Content should be arranged in ways that allow users to locate needed information through a wide variety of different avenues.

3. Open access to network content. Content on the network should be open to all users regardless of the software or platform they are using, and to the extent consistent with considerations of privacy and public safety. For example, we understand the perspective that access to private health records, credit records or accounts, and violent or indecent content should be restricted to certain clearly identified users. But we believe that all public content (such as government, consumer, and health information) should be available to all users, through all access providers.

4. Free expression. Concerns about access to violent or indecent content are valid, but they can not be used to justify any attempt to monitor, control, or censor individual expression over the network.

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