What's The Big Deal About Net Neutrality?

Megan Mickels
Thu, 14 Dec 2017 21:52:56 +0000

We'll start with the basics, what is net neutrality?

Net neutrality by definition is the basic principle that prohibits internet service providers like AT&T, TMobile, and Verizon from speeding up, slowing down, or blocking any content, applications, or websites you want to use.

Basically, net neutrality is the way the internet in America has always worked.

You have certain expectations regarding internet use, for instance; being able to connect to whatever content, application, or website you want.

In 2015 the Federal Communications Commission adopted net neutrality laws under Title II of the Communications Act to keep the internet free and open - allowing people to share and access information of their choosing without interference.

Net neutrality protects and ensures free speech.

Your phone company shouldn't decide who you can call and what you say on the phone, just as your internet provider shouldn't interfere with the content you view and post online.

So what happens without net neutrality?

Excellent question. Without net neutrality, internet providers call all the shots regarding which content succeeds.

Without net neutrality, your internet provider can slow down competitor's content or clock political opinions they disagree with. They can even charge fees to access certain material and content.

For example, let's just say there's a huge internet scam effecting all Verizon users. Without net neutrality, Verizon has the ability to block that information from Verizon customers.

So now that you have a basic understanding of what net neutrality is, here's what going on with it.

The Federal Communications Commission just voted to end net neutrality, breaking the fundamental principle of the open internet, but Congress can use the Congressional Review Act to overrule it.

You can go to https://www.change.org/p/save-net-neutrality-netneutrality/nftexp/ex45/control/596883758?recruiter=596883758&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=autopublish&utm_term=autopublish&utm_content=ex45%3Acontrol to sign the petition to save net neutrality laws and keep the internet free!