Communism or dirty capitalism. Call it what you wish but 2008 has surely brewed up quite the storm in regards to Canada’s Internet access and the providers we use.

Let’s face it. In this day and age torrents are not a means of sharing personal family photos or videos. While I’m sure there are many concerned people out their who choose not to partake in illegal copyright activities, the fact remains, when you mention torrents you think pirated movies, free games and complete discographies of your favourite bands. Of course, using BitTorrent technology to download any of the aforementioned is illegal activity and places you in sights of the long arm of the law, so instead, I suggest you support the various industries by purchasing your movies, games or music from authorized retailers.

This is essentially the root of the problem. Or so many seem to think. Major telecommunications companies, like Rogers or Bell Canada, are actively taking a roll in their customers use of this BitTorrent technology and overstepping their bounds as a service providers. They do this by using what is known as bit-shaping, (or traffic shaping), applications on their networks. These bit-shaping applications monitor the network traffic through the packets of data which are being sent and recieved–both encrypted and unencrypted–and analyze the data for BitTorrent behavior. Your BitTorrent traffic is then restricted resulting in extremely slow download rates; far below what your ISP sells you and what is expected. This type of active BitTorrent traffic shaping is what is commonly referred to as (torrent) or (bandwidth) throttling. Kind of makes you wonder where their idea of “for sharing large files and much more” comes into play.

But that is only half of the story. In addition to torrent or bandwidth throttling, these major telecommunications companies are beginning to make use of deep packet inspection (DPI) and deep packet capture (DPC) technologies. The problem isn’t so much with the use of these technologies, its with what companies CAN or are doing with it. While I’m sure it will help to thwart virus’ and Trojans from spreading along their networks, it can also be used for much more devious intentions. Like collecting, storing and selling personal or sensitive information. Your name, websites you visit, images you view, searches you complete on Google, videos you download, podcasts you listen to. You name it. And what can companies use this information for? They can use it to inject targeted ads directly related to your internet behavioral patterns into your browser. Watching and tracking your every click and key stroke. Rogers alone, since early December of 2007, has been injecting their own content into other company’s websites without permission. With the introduction of bandwidth caps, Rogers users who are close to the maximum bandwidth limit are subject to seeing red text appear above the content of every website they visit. The notice continues to appear on every page until the user either clicks a link acknowledging that they have seen the message or chooses to opt out of the notification (which will only last for that one given month). But no, it doesn’t stop there. What next? The technology being used (and may already be, who knows?) by law enforcement agencies? Projects and companies like NebuAd and Phorm are very real examples of these types of technologies being used for financial gain and corporate money making.

Let me go back to the first statement I had made in respect to communism or dirty capitalism. Why do I call what these companies are doing, communism or dirty capitalism? Because these companies are not throttling torrents or traffic simply to put an end to piracy. No, they are trying to control the internet. They are attempting to put boundaries on something which should be limitless, free and open. They do it for greed; they do it for the money. Think about it. These companies place bandwidth limits on users claiming that technologies like that of the BitTorrent protocol, places their network at risk and generates a lot of stress. This is far from the truth and they only use it as a front. A front for what you ask? The real reason they cap your bandwidth. These companies have to pay for ever gigabyte of bandwidth you consume so why not throttle your bandwidth and your torrent and place caps or limits on you. The less you can consume, the more money they keep in their pockets. That is why they seek to control the internet and what you do on it–because its an open place where people can make their own decisions as to what is true and false; where people can do as they please and are not subject to the corporate grasp of everyday life. Thats the only power a government really has. Fear; you keep the people afraid and they will buy anything you dish out. All of which can be tied into Net Neutrality, but I am going a bit off topic and is something which I may discuss further some other day.

So why is this such a sad day for Canada and in fact the world? I will tell you why. Because this is the beginning of the end of the Internet as we know it. Targeted ads, traffic manipulation—all small parts to play in a larger global movement my major telecommunications companies to further extend their grasp on society and its customers. To squeeze us for every penny we have. You are probably thinking to yourself this probably seems like some big conspiracy theory and I’ve simply forgotten my medication which in fact people “like me”, often seem to be on. I assure you, this threat is real. It is happening.

But what can you do to stop it? Spread the word. Voice your opinion. Show these companies you won’t stand for what they are doing. Write formal letters to the president of your internet service provider. Email your local MP’s and let them know the importance of what these companies are trying to do. Educate your friends and family. Take a moment to mail your ISP and voice your concerns. If you are unhappy with Rogers, Bell or any other service provider, forward your complaints about the performance issues as well as any other problems or concerns. Just remember, in order to ensure they take your concerns seriously, when writing, explain your issue carefully, directly and as simply as you can. Here is the address for Rogers Cable.

The Office of the President
Rogers Cablesystems - Rogers Yahoo! HiSpeed Internet
855 York Mills Rd
Don Mills, Ontario
M3B 1Z1

On that note, just remember, knowledge is power.