By: Nathan Roshawn | From: TrueRants Network Okay, So we all have heard this term over the pass few years "Net Neutrality," but what exactly does it mean and why are activists celebrating the recent adjustment to the FCC rules made public February 26th, 2015?
"Net Neutrality" is simply a term used to the describe what the internet has always been, a free web of ideas and information shared globally that anyone can access and be a part of. For several years ISP's, also known as Internet Service Providers, the companies that you pay to connect to the internet, have been scheming to figure out how to profit more for this global exchange of information. It is already bad enough that we have limited options in selecting our ISP's. Many neighborhoods only have a few options, and some only one. The big players in the game are gigantic and they assumed they can use this leverage to regulate what you can access on the internet and at what speed you access it. But that is just the beginning. If they were to gain that much power, who is to say what would come next. For instance, perhaps they impose certain times the internet is available, like 9am-5pm, etc. In 2010, a committee for the FCC drafted a decision before the Supreme Court for an Open Internet Order. This order basically stated three main points:
Unfortunately, the Supreme Court shot down this decision. The court explained that the wording in this order was written in such a way that would make it difficult, if not impossible, to enforce. After this decision, the fate of the internet seemed to be falling in the hands of the big service providers. However, the activism and obvious voice of the people was validated yesterday when the FCC announced its new and improved plan for a neutral and free internet. In addition to the proposals in the 2010 Open Internet Order, they have classified the internet as a public utility. This prevents companies from charging more for certain services you may use such as, Netflix, or Hulu, and also allows the internet to be categorized as a necessity, and not just a commodity. This decision still needs to be heard by a court and ruled on, and it is anticipated that Internet companies will try to appeal this motion, so it may be some time before the final word is heard. However, it is a step in the right direction to maintain the freedom of expression and sharing of information we have all become so accustomed to. |
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