Fairness: Always an Issue

Net neutrality refers to the concept that all internet data must be treated in the same manner. As such, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), governments, and regulatory bodies cannot discriminate or charge different rates based on the user, the device used, the type of platform, etc. The principle argues that the internet would be most useful if all content, devices (mobile phones, desktop computers, game consoles), websites, files, and other information sent online were all treated equally. NET NEUTRALITY AND AN OPEN INTERNET

An open internet is the idea that all online information, including ways to access it is readily available to everyone. With an open internet, there would be no unnecessary internet censorship, bandwidth throttling by ISPS, monitoring of our online activity, and unfair pricing schemes for internet usage. Essentially, an open internet allows us to freely conduct our business online—as long as it is lawful—without fear of interference by our government and local ISPs.

So how does net neutrality correlate to open internet? Net neutrality is the most important component of an open internet, and for the idea to truly work, net neutrality must be present. The two concepts go hand in hand, and one cannot exist nor function without the other. WHY WE NEED AN OPEN INTERNET According to Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web and an ardent supporter of net neutrality, he didn’t have to ask anyone’s permission when he invented the internet. He was free to do whatever he wanted with it, and he envisioned it as an easily accessible platform for each and every one of us to share our creativity and our ideas.

Sadly, our current state of affairs seems to be moving farther and farther away from what Berners-Lee originally envisioned. Over the last few years, the idea of an open internet has come under attack by several anti-net neutrality threats that include: It stops ISPs from throttling our bandwidth.

Bandwidth throttling is the deliberate slowing down of our internet speed during certain times or when we view certain types of content. This is a common practice among ISPs here and abroad although they would never admit it. There are a number of reasons why ISPs practice bandwidth throttling, but a major one is so they can cut costs.

Through bandwidth throttling, ISPs are able to decrease data traffic, thereby eliminating the need for better but more expensive equipment that can address the issues surrounding network congestion.

As end-users, we don’t benefit from bandwidth throttling whatsoever. It goes against the very definition of net neutrality because it prevents us from consuming the content that we want.

Being forced to subscribe to a particular internet provider for lack of

options

Have you ever noticed how some condos only have one ISP available in

This is why we need net neutrality and internet openness. These will allow us to save the future of the internet as well as remain true to Tim Berners-Lee’s original vision for the World Wide Web — a space where people have the genuine freedom to create, express, and share their ideas.