On Net Neutrality

Net Neutrality is an issue that I've been following avidly for some time.

For anyone who isn't aware of what net neutrality is or the implications of it, here's a brief run-down:

Basically as things stand, the internet is a realm of equals. There is no premium service where certain websites get better connection or more bandwidth; everyone has the same access to anything.

This guarantees that, for example, a small independent news site can be accessed by anyone on any ISP, authoritarian regimes and their censorship notwithstanding. Net Neutrality guarantees the free flow of information and communication.

Without it, an ISP could block access to Fox News, or make it so that Fox News was the only website you could view. They could also start charging a premium rate for access to popular websites. The possibilities for corporate control over information are endless and terrifying.

Recently, a panel of three judges decided that the FCC can no longer enforce the idea of Net Neutrality. (Link here.) It boils down to a lack of legislation supporting the FCC's claim of the right to enforcement.

I strongly hope that Congress will enact the legislation necessary to give the FCC some teeth when it comes to these issues, because the alternative has the potential to be downright Orwellian!