Today, December 14th, 2017, the Federal Communications Commission voted to repeal Net Neutrality laws, changing the Internet as we know it. With the mass social media uproar on the topic, searching through Twitter to get information can be much like trying to WebMD symptoms- hectic and exaggerated. Lets get straight to the facts.
As you all know by now, Net Neutrality is the basic principle behind free, unrestricted and equal access for Internet usage. It protects free speech and the right to roam through online content as one wishes.
The nations largest Internet service providers are AT&T, Comcast and Verizon. Under Net Neutrality laws, these corporations were not allowed to favor any websites they owned over other competitors. A company like Verizon, which owns Yahoo, will now legally be allowed to block or sensor content from its competitor, Google. With this in place, service providers are the ‘gatekeepers’ of the Internet.
The ramifications of this ban will not be immediately seen. The Internet will continue to serve as it has been, but the consequences are long-term. Service providers will have to be completely transparent with the consumers about their services and policies. The truth is, this ordeal goes way beyond just having to pay extra fees for Netflix and other websites. Giving ISP’s the ability to throttle, monitor and restrict access to content is risky. This poses a threat to our access to crucial information. Service providers can block content from a specific political party with which they don’t agree with. Even worse, this will affect the communities of color. Previously, with unrestricted Internet, people of all ethnicities and races were free to share their stories and opinions with the public. Activist groups could rally together in front of the mass media for the world to see. Without Net Neutrality, the platforms that allowed this to happen can be taken away.
This doesn’t necessarily mean game over. States like New York, California and Washington are not hesitating when it comes to acting on this ban. New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has announced a lawsuit against the FCC, promising to protect the freedom of its citizens. About 18 other states are allegedly going to be joining the legal action, but nothing is confirmed. However, we can take away the fact that hope is not to be lost.
All things aside, while much of the assumed consequences are public hysteria, it can also truly happen. This is why it’s extremely important to not turn a blind eye on the issues at hand. While the FCC finalized their decision to repeal Net Neutrality, the final judgment still has to go though the Courts. Continue reaching out to government officials; let them know the vote of three individuals cannot overpower the majority of the public.
If you wish to fight for Net Neutrality:
Text “BATTLE” to 384-387
Call 202-759-7766
Photography credits: The Mercury News