Day 11 – Net Neutrality or Open Internet

“Net neutrality (also network neutrality or Internet neutrality) is the principle that Internet service providers and governments should treat all data on the Internet equally, not discriminating or charging differentially by user, content, site, platform, application, type of attached equipment, and modes of communication.” -Wikipedia on Net Neutrality

In April, the FCC mentioned that they were considering a rule that would allow Internet Service Providers offer content providers a faster track to provide content, which is in direct contrast of the concept of Net Neutrality.  This rule would mean that the internet would become a pay to play game, which would be harmful to small businesses as well as to the general public.  The reason the internet is amazing is because we can research anything and form our own opinions.  If we were only able to see content from the people/companies who pay the most, then a definite bias would occur.  Please note, we would still be able to view other content, however it take longer for the pages to load.

To date this topic has received the most comments ever for the FCC, but a few more could help keep the internet free.  The FCC will be taking comments on this topic until Monday, so please let them know what you think.  You can email:  openinternet@fcc.gov or fill out the form.