To join America in its celebration of independence, Google has rolled out a video demonstrating the power of Internet and its role in building democratic communities around the world. The company says it wants Internet to be free and open in all countries. 

Photo: Google’s free Internet flag

“In the summer of 1776, 13 disenfranchised colonies spoke. It took days for their declaration to be printed and distributed throughout the colonies, and it took weeks for it to be seen across the Atlantic. Today, such a document could be published and shared with the world in seconds. More than any time in history, more people in more places have the ability to have their voices heard,” wrote Susan Molinari, Vice President of Public Policy and Government Affairs, Americas in a blogpost.

Google, which has recently introduced various educational programs, reminds users one more time how they can use internet to share freedom and wants to see what a free and open Internet can do for people and for the freedom. The company asks users to take a moment to watch the created video and share it with friends. All users are invited to go online and vote for free Internet by submitting their personal data.

The web site features aUSAflag made up of many voices—it reminds of a recent initiative by P&G’s Tide, which created a flag containing Americans’ stories of success. The Google flag features submissions from people sharing what the power of the Internet means to them. People are welcome to distribute the flag in any possible way and without a special permission.