Net Neutrality

This is what your internet will be without net neutrality:

InternetSlowdown_Day.gif

Net neutrality is when all data on the internet is treated equally. This means that all Internet Service Providers (ISP) and the government treat everything on the internet the same by not discriminating or charging differently by user, content, site, etc. This is important for everyone to have the same access to knowledge. Some people see net neutrality as an important part of an open internet.  A “closed internet” is the opposite situation, when there is restricted access to different resources in the Internet.

I argue in favor of net neutrality. If we did not have net neutrality then we will have to pay more to have faster internet. This means that those who have fewer financial resources will not be able to access the internet if net neutrality does not exist. An open internet increases creativity and allows people to share their ideas with the world. In other words, “diffusion of innovation” will decrease with no net neutrality. Discrimination on the internet might increase inequality in the physical world.

I feel confused and disappointed that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) cannot stop digital discrimination and ensure network neutrality.  Therefore, those who have more money will receive more benefits and have access to resources that the overall public cannot. Equal data does not hurt anyone because everyone will have the same access for the internet. When equal internet service providers do not want net neutrality it will hurt others by having to pay more. We say this because if the all internet service providers that suddenly started to be equal they will lose money.

Sources:

  1. "Net Neutrality." A Guide to Net Neutrality for Google Users. Google, n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2014. <http://web.archive.org/web/20080901084929/http://www.google.com/help/netneutrality.html>.

  2. "What Is Net Neutrality?." American Civil Liberties Union. american civil liberties union, n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2014. <https://www.aclu.org/net-neutrality>.

  3. "Net Neutrality FAQ | SaveOurNet." OpenMedia.ca. n.p., n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2014. <https://openmedia.ca/saveournet/faq>.

Comments