Net neutrality is a principle implemented in 2015 during Barack Obama's presidency, stating that no internet service provider is able to discriminate against any form of data on the Internet. They were not to charge differently depending on user, platform, website, content, and so on, as the Federal Communications Commission voted in favor for strong rules for keeping the general internet free for all.
Should this principle be nonexistent, service providers are legally able to charge more to use any website or function, along with the ability to block websites or running them slower. Although this may not seem like a big deal to the upper class, the lower class will be subjected to censorship should they not be able to afford the costs. Typically, this kind of scenario can be referred to as being "corporate greed."
Should this principle be nonexistent, service providers are legally able to charge more to use any website or function, along with the ability to block websites or running them slower. Although this may not seem like a big deal to the upper class, the lower class will be subjected to censorship should they not be able to afford the costs. Typically, this kind of scenario can be referred to as being "corporate greed."
What has happened with it?
As of late, the FCC has voted to repeal the very same principle they voted for nearly three years ago under their chairman Ajit Pai who claims his plan will "eliminate unnecessary regulation." Although the vote has yet to go through congress, it's possible that with their jumpstart on the repeal, it is more likely to occur. Information on the event can be found here. (Finley, Klint. "The FCC Just Killed Net Neutrality. Now What?" Wired. CNMN Collection, Dec. 14 2017. Web. Dec. 16 2017.)
In response to the FCC's vote, people have engaged in protests against the vote and the possible repeal of net neutrality. Protests such as the ones described in this article (Kang, Cecilia. "F.C.C. Repeals Net Neutrality Rules." The New York TImes. The New York Times Company, Dec. 14 2017. Web. Dec. 16 2017.) can be found across the states, particularly in bigger cities where the exposure is heightened. Examples include outside the Verizon store in New York City and outside the office of the FCC. Additionally, attorney generals have had the privilege to fight back and speak with the opportunities to elicit lawsuits against the FCC.