【134-136】US Ends ‘Net Neutrality’ Rules for Internet Service

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*【134】 AS IT IS

US Ends ‘Net Neutrality’ Rules for Internet Service

June 12, 2018

In this 2015 photo, a student uses Google to complete an exercise at Mira Vista School in Richmond, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

But earlier this year, government officials, supported by President Donald Trump, voted to end those rules. Their decision took effect on Monday.

Supporters of net neutrality argue that its regulations ensured everyone had equal ability to get information. The rules were largely popular with users – opinion studies showed that the American public approved of net neutrality by a big majority. Major internet companies such as Facebook and Alphabet, the company that owns Google, also support net neutrality.

But opponents said the rules limited businesses’ reasons to invest in and improve internet service.

Major communications companies, including AT&T and Comcast, urged government officials to repeal net neutrality rules.

The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission – the federal agency in charge of America’s communications law and regulations – agreed with them. Ajit Pai said last week that the repeal will ensure “better, faster, and cheaper Internet access and more broadband to the American people.”

A group representing major cable service companies and TV networks praised the new policy. They said that users in the U.S. will not see a change in their internet service—except that it “will keep getting better.”

However, activist groups and some public officials have promised to continue to fight for a return to the previous internet rules.

I’m Kelly Jean Kelly.

Kelly Jean Kelly wrote this report for VOA Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.

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Words in This Story

repeal – v. to officially cancel a law or rule

cheaper – adj. less costly than something else

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*【135】AS IT IS

Cambodia’s New Online Media Directive Criticized as ‘Censorship’

June 12, 2018

University students from the Royal University of Phnom Penh check the Internet in a coffee shop along the city's Russian Federation Boulevard, June 13, 2014.

The government declaration gives the ministries the power to take action against people violating the rules. It also permits the government to act against internet service providers.

Teachers and students participate in a campaign by the National Election Committee, NEC, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Wednesday, May 9, 2018. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

The ministry of posts and telecommunications will require all internet service providers to use software and other tools to monitor internet usage, the announcement said. The software should be able to “filter or block any websites, accounts or social media pages” considered illegal.

The statement by the NGOs criticizes the declaration, which it says “threatens the privacy rights and freedom of expression of every single internet and social media user in Cambodia.”

Among those signing the letter were the rights group Licadho and the election watchdog Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia.

The NGOs dismissed the declaration’s list of “illegal” content. They called the working group “a clear case of government overreach and censorship.”

The NGOs noted that the blocking of content and closure of social media accounts is to be completely decided by the ministries, without judicial review or the right to appeal.

The ministerial order represents “a serious threat to the Cambodian people’s constitutional rights,” the NGOs statement said. It added that the working group further reduces “the limited space left for public debate following months of attacks on media freedoms.”

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, center, of Cambodian People's Party stops for a selfie with supporters after a voting in the Senate election at Takhmau polling station in Kandal province, Cambodia, Sunday, Feb. 25, 2018. (AP Photo)

The creation of the working group comes ahead of Cambodia’s planned general election next month. Rights groups have raised concerns about the fairness of the election process because of a series of actions by the government of Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Among the actions was a government ban on the country’s main opposition party. Cambodian officials accused the party of attempting to overthrow the government. Political observers and rights groups have said they believe the action was taken in an effort by Hun Sen’s government to stay in power.

The government has also attempted to silence critical voices within the country’s NGO community and has closed some media organizations.

Earlier this year, Cambodia’s main media watchdog group said media freedoms suffered severe damage in 2017. A report by the Cambodian Center for Independent Media noted the closures of 32 radio stations that produced broadcasts often critical of the government. It said other media organizations were also forced to suspend operations because the government launched tax investigations.

I’m Jonathan Evans.

This story was reported by Radio Free Asia’s Khmer Service. It was translated by Nareth Muong and written in English by Joshua Lipes. Bryan Lynn adapted the report for Learning English, with additional information from Reuters. Ashley Thompson was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.

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Words in This Story

dissemination – n. the spreading of information or ideas

filter – v. remove unwanted things from something

monitor - v. to watch, observe, listen to, or check (something) for a special purpose over a period of time

censorship – n. the blocking or removal of material such as writings, film, videos which are not approved by the government

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*【136】AS IT IS

Worldwide Pilot Shortage Threatens Airline Industry Growth

June 12, 2018

Richard de Crespigny, the pilot who was responsible for safely landing a damaged Qantas Airbus plane in 2010, stands in front of the engine (AP Photo/Wong Maye-E)

The domestic chief executive officer for Qantas said, “We have a social responsibility...We can continue to take pilots from smaller players in this country and elsewhere but we need to give back and that is part of what we are doing here as well.”

Pilots seeking higher pay at other airlines

Some airlines are having to look outside their home markets. They must compete with China, where experienced foreign pilots are in high demand. Airlines there offer yearly salaries of up to $314,000 - tax free.

Andrew Herdman is director general of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines. He said, “There is not so much a shortage of pilots as a rising cost of attracting and retaining the pilots you need.”

In countries where average wages are comparatively low, pilots are being offered higher pay than other professions. This is partly because they must speak English, the worldwide language of aviation.

The chief of SriLankan Airlines told Reuters that his company has lost pilots to airlines in the Middle East.

Thailand’s Bangkok Airways is raising pilot pay and benefits and hiring foreigners for international travel, its president said.

Pilot unions are taking advantage of shortages to ask for better conditions for their members.

Dan Adamus is president of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) Canada. He said Canadian pilots are generally getting pay raises. Salaries at major U.S. airlines are still higher than at Air Canada, however.

Adamus said, “It’s certainly harder for airlines to recruit pilots...The pilots are going to go where there is better pay.”

He estimates that about 1,000 Canadian pilots are flying for foreign airlines such as Emirates.

Airlines considered to be top employers in their home country, like Qantas and British Airways, are not yet facing shortages of people seeking to be pilots.

I’m Ashley Thompson.

And I'm Caty Weaver.

Reuters reported this story. Ashley Thompson adapted it for Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor.

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Words in This Story

benefit - n. money that is paid by a company (such as an insurance company) or by a government when someone dies, becomes sick, stops working, etc.

hire - v. to give work or a job to (someone) in exchange for wages or a salary

bankrupt - adj. unable to pay debts

simulator - n. a machine that is used to show what something looks or feels like and is usually used to study something or to train people

domestic - adj. of, relating to, or made in your own country

aviation - n. the business or practice of flying airplanes, helicopters, etc.

advantage - n. something (such as a good position or condition) that helps to make someone or something better or more likely to succeed than others

recruit - v. to find suitable people and get them to join a company, an organization, the armed forces, etc.

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