Outline

Topic: The United States should pass legislation to ensure Internet privacy for its citizens, so as to maintain a free and open Internet.

Specific Purpose: To encourage people to petition the government for laws protecting a free and open Internet.

Thesis Statement: Individuals should insist that the government pass laws protecting the privacy rights of citizens who use the Internet, so as to protect the personal information of citizens, and allow for an uncensored arena for public discourse.

I. Introduction

A. Attention-Getting Step: Personal experience about the advent of the Internet, and the development of Internet accessible technology.

B. Tie to Audience: We are all Internet users.

C. Credibility Material:

Here's how we take back the Internet. (2014, March). Retrieved July 15, 2015, from https://www.ted.com/talks/edward_snowden_here_s_how_we_take_back_the_internet#t-882842

Hu, E. (2015, February 4). FCC Chairman Wheeler Backs Regulating Internet As Public Utility. Retrieved July 15, 2015, from http://www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2015/02/04/383520623/after-months-of-debate-fcc-poised-to-unveil-internet-rules

Net Neutrality Wins in Brazil’s Internet Constitution [Al Jazeera America]. (2014, March 26). Retrieved July 14, 2015, from http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/3/26/brazil-internet-constitution.html

Rothkopf, D. (2015, February 2). Is Unrestricted Internet Access a Modern Human Right? Retrieved July 14, 2015, from http://foreignpolicy.com/2015/02/02/unrestricted-internet-access-human-rights-technology-constitution/

Shahani, A. (2015, March 30). Bringing Internet To The Far Corners Of The Earth. Retrieved July 15, 2015, from http://www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2015/03/30/396391960/bringing-internet-to-the-far-corners-of-the-earth

Wagner, A. (2012, September 6). Is internet access a human right? [Online Posting]. Retrieved July 14, 2015, from http://www.theguardian.com/law/2012/jan/11/is-internet-access-a-human-right

D. Thesis & Preview: Individuals should insist that the government pass laws protecting the privacy rights of citizens who use the Internet, so as to protect the personal information of citizens, and allow for an uncensored and free arena for public discourse.

II. Body

A. Main Point #1 – Need

1. We never know when we will need our right to privacy.

a. The government uses massive amounts of surveillance on US citizens.

b. Ed Snowden, Julian Assange.

c. UK government turned off Internet during the London Tube Bombings of 2005.

2. What if government turned off Internet to stop peaceful protest?

a. Control of the Internet… Orwellian society?

b. Release of classified documents by Ed Snowden.

3. US Citizens, and citizens of the world.

a. Ed Snowden, FCC.

b. Unveiling of the controlling power of world governments to monitor the Internet.

B. Main Point #2 (Present Solution that Satisfies Need)

1. Laws to protect the privacy of Internet users.

a. Allows individuals the right to a private life and information.

b. Petition the government and be active on social media about this issue.

C. Main Point #3 (Visualize Results)

1. Gives individuals a sense of privacy regarding private communication via the Internet.

2. Growth of the power and “need” for government surveillance.

III. Conclusion