As the recent weakening of net neutrality and the Comcast/Time Warner merger demonstrate, the internet might not always be such a free and open platform. Since access to information is key to vibrant and successful communities, the latest Knight News Challenge seeks to strengthen free expression and innovation on the internet.

According to the Challenge Brief: "We want the internet to remain an open, equitable platform for free expression, commerce and learning, We want an internet that fuels innovation through the creation and sharing of ideas."

Why is it crucial to create safe spaces for innovation on the internet? Recently Kwasi Asare (vice president of business development for Knowledge Delivery Systems, and a former associate director of the U.S. Department of Education) wrote about this theme.

Knight is casting a broad net on seeking possible solutions. Besides technology, entries may involve journalism, policy, research, education or "any innovative project that results in a stronger internet."

Learn more and enter now. See and comment on the entries so far.

Deadline for entries: March 18

Winners (announced June 23) will receive a share of more than $2.75 million from the challenge, an unprecedented collaboration between Knight Foundation, Ford Foundation and Mozilla.

Going to SXSW? The Knight News Challenge team will hold open office hourse at The Driskill Hotel bar (604 Brazos St., Austin, Texas):

• Saturday, March 8: 2-4 pm CT
• Sunday, March 9: 2-4 pm CT
• Monday, March 10: 2-4 pm CT