After the FCC introduces Internet non-discrimination and transparency principles, the EU too should unequivocally protect users and the open Internet – sign the petition to support it.

Today I am in Brussels speaking at a European Commission public hearing on the future of the Internet economy (‘post-i2010’). Innovation without permission will be the key theme of my remarks. It will resonate with the important news this week that the US communications regulator the FCC will seek to introduce two new Internet principles to safeguard the open Internet: non-discrimination and transparency.

Chris (aka Christopher Libertelli, Skype’s Senior Director of Government & Regulatory Affairs for the Americas) commented in detail on this historical move in his blog post yesterday.

Wouldn’t it make sense to protect innovation and improve consumer choice in Europe, too?

Well, clearly it does. Negotiations on the new EU Telecom laws are rumoured to be re-starting behind closed doors from next Tuesday (29th September). As I said on Friday, these revised laws need to be finalised in a way that guarantees the open Internet.

Your Member of the European Parliament (MEP) and your Government should ensure that you are free to do what you want with the Internet connection you paid for, whether on fixed or mobile. So do speak to them in favour of the open Internet – please.

You can also sign this new independent petition which asks for the adoption in Europe of the principles recommended by the FCC and by the Norwegian network neutrality guidelines (PDF): if you believe Europe also merits an Internet that is free and open, please sign this petition and share it with your friends using the ‘Share it’ links on the page.