Free, unlimited internet may come to an end...

... if Congress has its way. By the way, this bill matches one in Europe now, which is going through the legislative process at EU Parliament as we speak. Every day I wake up there's a new outrage waiting ...

Senate Proposal Could Put Heavy Restrictions on Internet Freedoms

A bill making its way through Congress proposes to give the U.S. government authority over all networks considered part of the nation's critical infrastructure. Under the proposed Cybersecurity Act of 2009, the president would have the authority to shut down Internet traffic to protect national security.

Here is the one proposed for Europe:

Safeguarding the open internet

Under the proposed new rules, broadband providers will be legally able to limit the number of websites you can look at, and to tell you whether or not you are allowed to use particular services. It will be dressed up as ‘new consumer options' which people can choose from. People will be offered TV-like packages - with a limited number of options for you to access.

There are people in Europe mobilising for action:

Activists rally troops against proposed EU 'Net regulations

So, for example, the group Blackout Europe is organizing an e-mail campaign to urge EU Parliament members to reject the package, saying, "under the proposed new rules, broadband providers will be legally able to limit the number of websites you can look at, and to tell you whether or not you are allowed to use particular services." It suggests that one possible result is Internet service that resembles cable TV in terms of providing different packages of sites and services. The group European Digital Rights has expressed similar concerns, as has the UK's Open Rights Group.

Speak up! (While you still can)