The War on Net Neutrality

The War on Net Neutrality

by Katherine Chess

In recent times, the Internet has definitely increased in prevalence. According to the World Bank, Internet usage has steadily increased since the 2000’s, resulting in 75% of people using the Internet as of 2010. However, most people don’t realize that we can attribute the Internet as we know it to the simple principle of net neutrality. Net neutrality is the state of equality on the Internet, meaning that everyone is granted access to the same content at the same speed.

Many countries are void of net neutrality. Their governments have the power to censor what websites and information are presented on the Internet within their country. For example, China up until January had Google search results censored, according to the story ‘Can Google Beat China’ published in the New York Times. As Americans who are dead set on freedom, this seems unfathomable, although what many of us don’t realize is that our Internet freedom is being threatened.

Last month, there was a Congressional hearing on whether or not net neutrality would remain. The Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) Chairman Tom Wheeler said that they are considering regulating the Internet like a phone company. They have the authority to do this under Title II of the Communications Act. However, this plan would allow Internet service providers to charge extra fees to companies such as Google and Netflix. Major telecom companies such as Verizon, Comcast, and AT&T would have the power to create Internet fast lanes for those who could afford it, and those who couldn’t would be left with slow, constantly buffering Internet.

The question you need to ask yourself is if we let this happen how far will they go? Censorship is part of the same principle, and is a possible follow-up if we allow this. As Americans, we have our First Amendment rights that allow us the freedom of speech, press, and expression. It clearly states that Congress should make no law that would abridge these aspects of our lives. The Internet is a major platform for every single one of these aspects, and laws against net neutrality would infringe upon them. Speak up to keep our Internet freedom, and the freedoms promised to us in the First Amendment. Let Congress hear your voice.