Net Neutrality [Ladies and Gentlemen, we will currently be blasting back to 1984]

“Who were the Stanley Cup winners in 1979?” “Hold on, give me one minute.” Opens Google. “That would be the Montreal Canadiens”.

Typical occurrence for modern day times to answer any questions, from important to random and obscure through the Internet, and receive a quick and prompt response.

But what if an obstacle was presented that could stop us from receiving the high speed and access we have gotten comfortable with over the years? What happens if the equality we have taken for granted is suddenly taken away and replaced with favourtism of those who are willing to whip out the green? Is this even a possibility?

Yes it is. The regulation that currently is preventing this from happening is called Network Neutrality, which keeps the Internet free and open to its users and prevents discrimination while allowing free speech from all. In short, it protects our rights as equals on the Internet. But, right now, major telephone and cable companies such as AT&T, Verizon, Comcast and Time Warner are trying to put an end to this regulation, which has been in existence since the creation of the Internet.

 

But why would these companies want to put an end to something so good?

 

Simply for their own greed and prosperity. This way they can tax content providers and have their own search engines, video and phone services favoured on the Internet. To them, it’s all about making money and gaining power.

 

This will change the Internet as we know it. No longer will it be an online community of free speech, where we ca dig up all and any information we so desire. The content we are show will be censored to promote the cable and phone companies and what big paying users want us to see. It’s not about us anymore. We will view what we are told we are “allowed” to view. Anything else shall be withheld. Anyone feeling a slight parallel to Orwell’s novel, 1984?

 

This is truly a possibility. These companies are spending millions to pressure Congress and the Federal Communications Commission to get rid of Net Neutrality and let the Internet becoming their molding block.

We cannot let this happen. I, for one, will not stand to see another part of this world become even more commercialized than it already is. I refuse to become another sheep.

 

I urge you to become aware and help others to do so. It hasn’t happened yet; we can still make a difference. I’m sure we all believe in the power of the little people...

 

Works Cited

www.savetheinternet.com