Repeal of net neutrality detrimental to internet
FCC to destroy equitable internet experience for consumers
January 18, 2018
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) held a vote Dec. 14 to repeal Obama’s Title II internet regulation, the executive order allowing net neutrality in the United States.
Net neutrality prohibits internet service providers from restricting access to particular online content.
Republican commissioners supported the repeal with a 3-2 majority. The vote itself was unfair to begin with, as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has only five commissioners.
Five people voting on one issue cannot accurately represent the diversity of thought of the vast population of the United States. Had the FCC held a general election, the repeal would never have passed, considering the negative backlash and criticism the FCC received before and after the vote.
The repeal of net neutrality allows internet service pro- viders (ISPs) to charge or restrict internet users’ access to specific websites or content. This may lead to only certain types of opinions being seen or published on the internet, which is unfair. Those who are unwilling or unable to pay for content should not surrender new ideas solely because they lack funds.
If ISPs decide to restrict news sites, consumers should be outraged. To deprive readers of a certain viewpoint or news story could create even more ignorance in this country, something of which we already have an abundance. To restrict consumers’ access to social media sites, which have become valuable platforms to convey viewpoints, could arguably infringe on freedom of speech.
The repeal will not improve the internet by any means on the consumer’s part. ISPs will obtain more money from consumers as well as websites who wish to reach more in- ternet users by not having their content blocked or slowed down.
Small businesses can easily choke because of the repeal, which may in turn lead to the demise of the next Google or YouTube.
The FCC’s decision will also negatively impact educa- tion. Teachers frequently use sites like Google and Britan- nica to find information.
At Park specifically, teachers and students both depend on Schoology, PowerSchool and Google Drive. Without access to these resources, students will have difficulty com- pleting their schoolwork.
Low-income families in Park, in particular, will encoun- ter difficulty. If these families are not be able to pay for whichever package includes educational resources, these students will be academically behind students with greater monetary advantages.
Several states have already taken the initiative to introduce bills that will reinstate net neutrality. Minnesota, as well as the rest of the country, should follow suit. Net neutrality provides people from all walks of life a platform on which to express their opinions. Everyone deserves free speech.
