The New York Times reported it yesterday and though there have been official denials, it’s still far from unclear whether the deal is happening. If true, Google is on the verge of selling out a basic tenet of free speech on the internet (everyone has access to everyone) to get preferential treatment for Youtube. Very slimy and a very scary thought for under-funded but vital web publishing.
On Wednesday, the New York Times reported that Google and Verizon “are nearing an agreement that could … speed some online content to Internet users more quickly if the content’s creators are willing to pay for the privilege.” While both Google and Verizon quickly denied the NYT report, the newspaper says it’s standing by its story. If the Times is right, this content-for-cash scheme would be the greatest scandal in Google’s history. We could term it “Internet Payola,” after the practice of record labels paying radio stations to play their songs.
