International Day of Internet

Five years ago, a Spanish association of internet users launched an initiative to celebrate the Internet World Day every May 17th. Since then, they have been actively working to encourage Internet Day in other countries and coordinating its celebration worldwide.

Interestingly enough, The European Internet Safety Network decided that we should all celebrate Safer Internet Day every February 19th and, for 8 years now, a British organization has been calling for an International Internet-Free Day every January 27th.

Confused?

Why should you be? This is right in line with the global market place for information, products, influence, self-promotion… that is internet. With a little ingenuity and perseverance, anybody can promote anything. The burden is on the users to be discerning, exert some common sense and make relevant decisions and choices. And all is well that way. Internet is a bowl of fresh air and freedom, in a world where political correctness and zero-risk policies are leading us to an environment where many people shy away from basic responsibilities.

For purely geographic and biased reasons, we will encourage all to support the May 17 Spanish initiative by writing an encouraging note to Telefonica (the monopolistic ADSL provider in Spain) every time your internet speed exceeds 50% of the speed you have contracted and you are paying for… Judging by my experience, there is no risk of an over-stuffed mailbox at Telefonica!