Over the past few weeks, nearly every social media platform has been flooded with articles and posts involving Net Neutrality. In addition, the trending hashtag #NetNeutrality has surfaced and has assisted in further educating people about the topic. It can be assumed that most of us did not know that Net Neutrality was before the emergence of its social media presence simply because it was both a right and a privilege. However, since we could possibly lose this essential part of our First Amendment rights, it has become time that we become as educated as possible on the topic.
So, what exactly is Net Neutrality? Well, According to the document the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has provided in regard to Net Neutrality, it states, "The benefits of an open Internet are undisputed. But it must remain open: open for commerce, innovation, and speech; open for consumers and for the innovation created by applications developers and content companies; and open for expansion and investment by America’s broadband providers." Essentially, Net Neutrality protects the people's right to freely use the internet as they please.
Whether it be to communicate, view, create or to just observe, Net Neutrality reserves the right for people to consume whatever internet platforms they so desire. Not only does this protect our First Amendment right to freedom of speech but it also allows for people to create and spread different ideas.
Currently, net neutrality rules enforce that internet providers treat all data the same and not charge differently depending on factors such as user, the content people are viewing, or the platform or application that people are using. In short, big name companies like Verizon and Comcast cannot control what you can and cannot access on the internet.
However, this could all change in the blink of an eye. On December 14th, the FCC will vote on whether or not to repeal net neutrality. We have until then to sway that vote to save the internet as we know it. Ending Net Neutrality would mean that internet service providers and telecom companies would benefit economically. However, average citizens, especially those without resources to pay additional sums for information access, lose.
Minorities, including different religious and ethnic groups will also suffer from the ending of Net Neutrality. Since internet service providers would control the content available on the internet, different religious groups and ethnic groups could possibly not receive equal representation on the internet. Additionally, because the providers control what content is allowed on the web, it would be impossible for the average citizen's voice to be heard on the internet.
So, the question remains, what can you do? Well, here are two petitions you can sign—one international and one exclusively US. After signing, you must verify via email. The email may not arrive right away but just be patient and check your inbox maybe a half hour or so after signing.Two more helpful resources include Battle for the Net and Save The Internet. Both of these will help you to make sure that you have the necessary resources to make sure that your voice is heard.
Of course, spreading the word about Net Neutrality is also very important, because the more people know about this issue, the more we can do to take action. Personally, I have been educating my family and friends about this topic since I was first educated about it. Through posts on the internet, including articles such as this one, I hope everyone has learned about how serious Net Neutrality really it and why it is essential to keeping our democracy alive.
So everyone, please take an active part in government and the decisions that affect all of us. Spread the word. Sign petitions. Call representatives. Make sure your voice is heard.
