Net Neutrality: What Is It, The Battle, and What You Can Do

A controversial technology topic hitting the internet is Net Neutrality. Earlier this year, July 12th, 2017 was declared as the Day of Action to Save Net Neutrality. On December 14th, 2017, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will vote to get rid of current Net Neutrality laws. Opinions on this topic vary depending on who you talk to and what you read. Here is everything you need to know about it.

What Is Net Neutrality?

Understanding what Net Neutrality is can get confusing. In the simplest terms, it is the ability of internet users to have access to information, apps, and websites without restrictions. It’s having full internet freedom without anyone such as internet providers and the Government controlling and blocking content. Specific internet providers being targeted for controlling content online include Comcast and Verizon.

The current Net Neutrality laws, established during the Obama Administration, prohibit these internet providers from the following:

• No blocking of content
• No slowing down of services
• No paid prioritization

Here is an example of what could happen if these laws disappear.

In this situation, an internet provider was slowing down the Netflix service so the user would be forced to purchase a higher cable package.

Rise of Support for Net Neutrality Laws

Currently, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) members are threatening to remove Net Neutrality protections altogether. With the Day of Action, millions of people from businesses owners to celebrities joined together to protest against ending neutrality laws. Notable companies that are Pro-Net Neutrality include Reddit, Netflix, Kickstarter, Spotify, and more! Their ultimate goal is to get people to join the battle against removing neutrality laws. 

Below is an example of Reddit supporting this cause on Twitter:

On December 14th, 2017, the FCC will be voting on whether to keep or dismantle Obama-era Net Neutrality laws. The vote is being led by Chairman Ajit Pai. The FCC claims that the plan they have will help job growth. However, it will allow Internet Service Providers to control and block site traffic such as to Netflix. People will just have to wait and see how the FCC votes in December.

What You Can Do

Before deciding whether you are for or against this hot topic issue, read the facts. Look into what the neutrality laws are and listen to opinions from both sides. Don’t just rely on and be influenced by your favorite celebrities or business opinions to make your decision. Once you make a decision, state your opinion online and make it count! 

If you are Pro-Net Neutrality, you can visit Battle For The Net to find ways to show your support.

Interesting in other current tech topics? Read our many blogs on Best Cell Phone Spy Apps!