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Net neutrality proposal draws protesters to Google (photos)

Protesters--including the Raging Grannies--gather just outside Google headquarters in response to its joint proposal with Verizon concerning Net neutrality.

CNET Reviews staff
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1 of 8 James Martin/CNET

In response to a recent announcement from Google and Verizon Communications that they have offered a proposal to policymakers for keeping the Internet open, several dozen people gathered just outside Google's headquarters in Mountain View, Calif., Friday to protest the Internet giant's actions.

Saying the proposal would lead to a more closed and controlled Internet, activists from public-policy advocacy groups MoveOn.org and Free Press led a peaceful demonstration at Google's doorstep, complete with songs of revolution and protest chants.

Read more about Google and Verizon's proposed Net neutrality framework.
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2 of 8 James Martin/CNET

Outside the main quadrangle on the Google campus in Mountain View, Calif., Google security and a handful of police watch as the group gathers to denounce the proposal as bad for the Internet.

Read more about Google and Verizon's proposed Net neutrality framework.
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3 of 8 James Martin/CNET

The group uses the Google motto "Don't be evil" to try to make its point that the proposal would not keep the Internet open.

Read more about Google and Verizon's proposed Net neutrality framework.
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4 of 8 James Martin/CNET

The Raging Grannies, a San Francisco Bay Area protest group, was on hand in Mountain View, singing songs and leading chants.

Read more about Google and Verizon's proposed Net neutrality framework.
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5 of 8 James Martin/CNET

Worried that the Google-Verizon proposal will put the open nature of the Web in jeopardy, protesters plead for help to save the Internet.

Read more about Google and Verizon's proposed Net neutrality framework.
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6 of 8 James Martin/CNET
A Google Street View car cruises by the protest near the company's campus in Mountain View on Friday.

Read more about Google and Verizon's proposed Net neutrality framework.
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7 of 8 James Martin/CNET

The group hand-delivered a petition containing more than 300,000 signatures to Google's door. Pictured is James Rucker of Save The Internet.

A representative came out to address the crowd, saying that Google does support an open Web, and that the proposal is an ongoing discussion and is only an initial proposal at this time.

Read more about Google and Verizon's proposed Net neutrality framework.

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8 of 8 James Martin/CNET
The crux of the complaint stems from the fact the current proposal allows wireless providers to skirt open-access rules, a central facet of Net neutrality. Opponents of the proposal say that would allow Internet service providers to restrict access to content and essentially control which content is delivered over their network.

Read more about Google and Verizon's proposed Net neutrality framework.

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