Almost four years ago net neutrality was in danger - my post on the topic, from January 2014, is here, at Netting the Net.The Federal Communications Commission released a plan on Tuesday to dismantle landmark regulations that ensure equal access to the internet, clearing the way for internet service companies to charge users more to see certain content and to curb access to some websites.
The proposal, made by the F.C.C. chairman, Ajit Pai, is a sweeping repeal of rules put in place by the Obama administration. The rules prohibit high-speed internet service providers, or I.S.P.s, from stopping or slowing down the delivery of websites. They also prevent the companies from charging customers extra fees for high-quality streaming and other services.
Unsurprisingly, in this Age of Trump, the issue has bubbled up from the depths once again. We are contemplating a "netted" internet which will work to the benefit of nobody, apart from the corporations in charge.
A vote on the repeal of current rules is scheduled for December 14th, when the result is expected to be in favour of repeal, resulting in loss of net neutrality.
For any passing reader still not quite clear about what kind of things loss of net neutrality would mean to most of us, here's a handy graphic reminder from thenib.com
A World Without Net Neutrality
Almost inevitable. The corporations are winning hands down at everything. It's a bleak outlook.
ReplyDeleteRJ Adams ~ Yes, it's not easy to feel positive on this issue. We could well be experiencing the last days of the internet as we've come to know it.
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