What is Net Neutrality?

Net neutrality is the concept of having free access to the Internet. When an individual accesses the Internet, they expect to freely visit any website at any time. The concept prohibits Internet service providers like AT&T and Verizon from blocking, speeding, or slowing down any applications or websites we use. Net neutrality allows individuals the power to exhibit their right of having freedom of speech and communication online. On account of net neutrality, we are able to freely post any data of our choosing online. The Internet has always adhered to this concept, therefore it was quite shocking to hear how it was being dismantled.

On Thursday, December 14th, the Federal Communications Commission voted on dismantling the rules which would prevent internet service providers from having access to the internet. This action reversed the decision made in 2015 under the Obama administration, which was aimed at having more control over the providers. However, according to the new F.C.C. chairman, Ajit Pai, and the Trump administration, “unregulated business will eventually yield innovation and help the economy.”  Mr. Pai states, “We are helping consumers and promoting competition. Broadband providers will have more incentive to build networks, especially to underserved areas.”

Consumers will not see these changes right away since it will take weeks for the repeal to go into effect. Public interest groups such as the Public Knowledge and the National Hispanic Media Coalition and the Internet Association are considering legal action if the case worsens.

To hear some thoughts from our fellow students, we chose to interview Arek Der-Sarkissian, President of the Entrepreneurship Club. He states: “While people online have thrown the situation out of proportion (for example, by suggesting users like us would have to pay for every Google search we query after the repeal of Obama-era neutrality laws), Net Neutrality remains crucial in proving unhampered access to the web. The repeal of Net Neutrality by the FCC will turn the Internet into an Internet Service Provider’s long-awaited cable plan, similarly giving the best access to those sites that give the most to the ISPs. Sure, you’ll still get access to sites you care about, but competition will be driven out, and less popular sites might shut down. Our country was built on the groundwork of freedom, and that freedom should extend indefinitely into our online lives and to all sites, not just those with existing success."

Written by: Aelita Arshakyan