You're Suspect, Google & Verizon

Your desktop computer is safe for now, but watch out for your smart phone.

Yesterday, the much-anticipated Google-Verizon "deal" was announced.

And, as it turned out, the rumors of a Google-Verizon collusion deal to kill net neutrality were much ado about nothing.

Instead, Google CEO Eric Schmidt and Verizon CEO Ivan Seidenberg made what they referred to as a "joint policy announcement" that was to be a "suggested legislative framework for consideration by lawmakers."

Interestingly enough, though, it only applies to wireline internet connections, and not the wireless internet connections linked to so many handheld devices.

Still, it seems a bit odd that two corporations are giving the government "suggested legislative framework" in the very industry they do business in. It would be like BP giving suggestions to the MMS.

For their story on the announcement, NPR spoke with Siva Vaidhyanathan, a professor of law and media studies at the University of Virginia.

He is weary as well.

"All of these companies have short-term invested interest in maintaining their power," he said. "Fundamentally, Google doesn't work for you and me, and Verizon certainly doesn't work for you and me."

Which is true, despite what Verizon's tag-line may say.

It will be interesting to see how this all pans out, but my gut is telling me to be careful when two corporate giants want to address public policy out of the goodness of their stocks, er, hearts.