Blog Post 9

 Net Neutrality

Net neutrality is the goal to have Internet Service Providers, IPS, treat all of data within their network equally. There must not be any unethical discrimination favoring any specific apps, sites or services. The main idea of net neutrality is to keep an open internet for everyone.

 

Net neutrality has also faced several threats since its creation, such as IPS forging, IPS forging packets to mess with specific kinds of traffic and slowing down, or blocking, protocols and applications. However, net neutrality has been quite beneficial for the public since its idea to keep an open internet for everyone, but that does not come without its pros and cons. Some of the pros with having net neutrality laws include, protecting freedom of speech on the internet by restraining internet service providers from blocking or banning content. As well as shielding consumers from slowing, speeding or charging higher fees for specific online content by prohibiting ISPs. Net neutrality also encourages competition through providing an equal playing field for new companies. However, there are cons to having net neutrality laws and some include, that the regulations with net neutrality are unnecessary because the internet prospered greatly without it. It also generated a burdensome and overreaching of regulations that will control the internet. As well as creating less investment on other internet services which result in lower access and higher costs for the consumers. 

For my generation this is very important law. Since GenZ has not gone a day without the internet or any sort of technology, we constantly rely on it and use it for everything that this point. Genz and Millennials use the internet the most out of any other generation, so having a safe and open access to the internet is very necessary. However the way GenZ uses the internet now is juristically different than other generations did a couple years ago. We are open to advertisements, self expression, and marketing yourself as a brand. So, according to an article I read, implementing net neutrality will "regulated and controlled beyond their control". GenZ's way of interacting online and with brands online will change juristically because it will cause the brands to redefine the way they interact online. Also, companies will have to adjust to the "digital challenges" with the more and more buying power and the more companies enter the workforce. 

Net neutrality affects society as whole in three different ways: freedom of expression, encourages innovation and competition, unrestricted access. Net neutrality helps with freedom of expression because it prohibits ISPs from restricting or blocking online content. Without net neutrality, ISPs could possibly block any access to online content that they do not want any consumer to view. This would cause a mass content censorship online which goes against our constitutional rights to free speech, press and assembly. While it endorses innovation and competition, it also stops "ISPs from slowing, charging high fees, or speeding up online content". Also an open internet allows smaller brands and companies to succeed and without having larger companies having an advantage. It allows for an equal playing field of competition. Finally, unfettered access to online content is critical for everyone online in order to retrieve the content. This limits other providers from up-charging users high fees to gain online content and services. 

Net neutrality is a crucial aspect for online use and without it there would be many dangerous and suspicious activity while trying to get your online content.