For those who aren't aware, Internet Slowdown Day began at midnight on Wednesday, September 10, 2014, for a good cause. Although the name of the event suggests that the World Wide Web as a whole would slowdown significantly, that is not the case at all. Instead, participating websites will be featuring the classic loading sign in order to bring awareness to a petition regarding 'net neutrality.'
Internet providers have started to promote 'fast lane' services that can be purchased by companies with extra cash lying around. Yet the Internet Slowdown Day is trying to maintain that all websites should be accessible at the same speed as it has been in the past. Throughout the Internet Slowdown Day, people will be prompted to sign a petition in favor of net neutrality, which will be sent to Congress, the FCC and the White House.
Net Neutrality Petitions
Internet Slowdown Day Raises Awareness About the FCC's Latest Proposal
Trend Themes
1. Net Neutrality Awareness - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing technologies and platforms that promote equal access to the internet for all users.
2. Internet Activism - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating digital platforms and tools that empower individuals and organizations to raise awareness and promote change through online petitions.
3. Corporate Influence on the Internet - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Building alternative internet infrastructure and platforms that challenge the dominance of corporations and ensure internet neutrality.
Industry Implications
1. Internet Service Providers - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing innovative business models that offer neutral and affordable internet services to users.
2. Digital Activism Platforms - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating user-friendly platforms that facilitate online activism, petitioning, and social change.
3. Technology Infrastructure - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Designing and implementing decentralized and resilient internet infrastructure to protect net neutrality.