Uncovering the Facts About Net Neutrality

Internet activists have repeatedly expressed the need for Net Neutrality for quite some time now, but in many ways the topic still seems too complicated for average Internet users and apparently even politicians. Several Internet service providers (ISPs) are against it while in Europe, EU politicians have recently set up laws to put the principle of net neutrality into practice, but failed to address loopholes that can circumvent the regulations.

 

What is Net Neutrality?
The essence of Net Neutrality is that Internet service providers must treat all online content equally. That means companies which use the Internet should not be able to pay for preferential treatment and ISPs should not block or slow down websites intentionally.
For some people, the principle of net neutrality is an extension of free speech. With it, a website cannot be slowed down simply because it is considered unpopular or against the interests of the ISP or of a certain government. It also cannot be slowed down just because it won’t pay for preferential treatment.

 

Proposed Exceptions for Net Neutrality
People who are against this concept, however, believe that there simply are websites which are considered more important than others. For example, a website that prevents terrorist attacks should be given preferential treatment because doing so can help save lives.
Proponents of Net Neutrality are quick to point out that Internet service providers can easily reserve an “Internet fast lane” for websites that are willing to pay for the privilege. Consider the time when Comcast forced Netflix to pay extra so that the Internet broadcast company can get access to the broadband network of Comcast. This extra payment is to ensure that Netflix shows like House of Cards and Orange is the New Black stream smoothly to Comcast customers.
But this is exactly the kind of situation that net neutrality is supposed to prevent. Net neutrality after all means that both small and large sites should have access to the same streaming speeds online.
If ISPs can charge companies like Netflix to enjoy certain privileges, then who knows what other issues can arise?
Other ways in which Internet service providers can circumvent the neutrality regulations is to use the “zero rating” discrimination. In this scheme, the content of certain websites won’t count against daily data limits for users. This tactic, in effect, encourages people to use these websites instead of the competitor’s website. So, in a way, it allows ISPs to manipulate consumer choices.

 

Who Are For and Against Net Neutrality?
Google and Microsoft are among the most active proponents of net neutrality. Big companies that support startup companies (such as Kickstarter) also value net neutrality, because startups often do not have the resources to pay for preferential treatment and so net neutrality can benefit them more.
On the other hand, Verizon, AT&T, Comcast, and the National Cable Telecommunications Association all lobby against it. The war is far from over, and right now it seems that the future of net neutrality remains uncertain.