Net neutrality is trending on social media, but not for the right reasons.
In the past week, net neutrality has been trending on social media and the news. In light of the recent ban on elephants being lifted, the proposed tax bill, and even the nuclear missile tests in North Korea, net neutrality NEEDS to be on your radar, but what exactly is it?
What is Net Neutrality?
Net neutrality is a basic internet principle established in 1934 by the FCC that requires internet providers to treat everything fair and equal. This allows our idea of a "free internet" and low cost plans. Net neutrality allows people access to millions of websites for a normal price, and a freedom to choose where to go and what to visit. No actual restrictions or surplus charges. The very premise of net neutrality almost goes against the American idea of capitalism, it allows for very little competition.
Why is Net Neutrality Trending Now?
Just when you think you can get a break from socioeconomic turmoil, you CAN'T. The FCC recently got a new chairman, Ajit Pai, and he's planning on repealing net neutrality. This may not seem very important, but it is. Picture this: you're trying to do a school project but you can't access a certain website because your internet provider doesn't include that website in your "internet package", you now have to pay more in order to gain access to this website. This is what a world without net neutrality would look like.
The exact way cable companies are run is exactly the way internet providers would. They would fall into the norms of our capitalistic society; nonetheless, you will either be over priced or given bad quality internet. If you can't afford this new step, you may have to say goodbye to your internet.
This doesn't have to happen. The world is constantly innovating and the removal of net neutrality would only set us back, we especially don't want this. I encourage you to call your representatives and voice your opinion on not only this proposed plan, but the many others that are up for grabs! You can call the Capital Switchboard at 202-224-3121, and as their constituent you have the right to voice your opinions to them. One call could change many of the plans about to go through. Make one now.
