Comcast Blocks Some Internet Traffic
In a move that runs counter to the very concept of Net Neutrality - that all data is treated the same - the Associated Press has found, and confirmed with tests, that Comcast blocks attempts by users to share files online.
The interference, which The Associated Press confirmed through nationwide tests, is the most drastic example yet of data discrimination by a U.S. Internet service provider. It involves company computers masquerading as those of its users.
The interference, which The Associated Press confirmed through nationwide tests, is the most drastic example yet of data discrimination by a U.S. Internet service provider. It involves company computers masquerading as those of its users.
If widely applied by other ISPs, the technology Comcast is using would be a crippling blow to the BitTorrent, eDonkey and Gnutella file-sharing networks. While these are mainly known as sources of copyright music, software and movies, BitTorrent in particular is emerging as a legitimate tool for quickly disseminating legal content.
Besides the obvious fact that BitTorrent has legitimate uses, this also follows Comcast's trend of not informing users of certain limitations. For example, it's well-known that despite their advertisments regarding "unlimited" service, they have limits on usage, but refuse to publish them. This continued hidden set of limits for "unlimited" service is disturbing to say the least.
