Yesterday, July 12th, was the Net Neutrality Day of Action, where many people were protesting, and are continuing to protest, against the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) as they have begun to undo the regulations on internet service providers put in place by Obama in 2015. At first you may think less regulations would help keep the internet more free and uncensored, but not in this case. Read more to find out how the elimination of these laws will really effect the average internet user.
Net neutrality is the idea that Internet providers (ISPs) should treat all web traffic fairly and unbiased. This means they can't block access to any websites that conflict with their personal ideas or interests, and they can't throttle speeds on certain websites. The 2015 rules also banned paid prioritization: the idea that Internet providers shouldn't give special treatment or promotion to websites that compensate them financially.
If the net neutrality regulations are removed, the internet could turn into something much more similar to TV. Internet service companies like Verizon and Comcast are very much in favor of repealing the net neutrality regulations as they could make much more money by charging websites to be offered by that ISP, similar to how TV companies charge channels to be on TV. If a website doesn't want to pay the ISP, the ISP can simply block their users from viewing that website. They could also create a tiered plan that users would have to pay for, and it might cost more for you to get certain websites you want, just like channels on TV. Free speech will be lost, as the ISPs would most certainly be willing to block websites that disagree with their views. These important net neutrality regulations protect free thinking on the internet and ensure that it won't become another echo chamber like TV has become.
What can you do to help preserve net neutrality? One thing you can do is email the FCC directly by going to www.gofccyourself.com and then clicking + Express. Let the FCC know that you want to keep net neutrality on the internet! Thousands of companies like Google and Amazon have already joined the fight to protect net neutrality.
This is a good video to watch to learn more.
If I didn't give you a good enough reason to save net neutrality, just think about this.
