This Thursday, the Federal Communications Commission will vote on a proposal to end net neutrality. I’m sure you’ve heard. You’ve seen the articles in your newsfeed. You’ve followed the hashtags. But what does this mean for you?
Net neutrality means equal access to the internet… FOR ALL. The vote taking place on Thursday is with intent to dismantle the current policy in place that prevents internet service providers (like AT&T, Comcast, and Verizon) from deciding what customers can access on the internet, all while turning a big profit, of course. Let’s liken it to cable TV., shall we?
You want to watch Game of Thrones, but you don’t have HBO. If you’re lucky, maybe an offer for a one month free trial pops up, but generally if you want to watch the show then you have to pay for the channel. That’s what the internet would be like. You want to see that website? You have to pay for it. Is Bing your search engine of choice? Sorry. Your provider has a paid partnership with Google, so they’re going to slow down Bing so much that you won’t bother using it anymore.
Let me spell it out more plainly. The world wide web is a free and open source of communication, human knowledge and interaction. The primary source, in fact, for pretty much all of us. The ending of net neutrality means we will no longer have open and easy access to information. It means that corporations and internet service providers will control what type of content we access and share online. Once again, let me explain. The dismantling of net neutrality means that independent websites, blogs (like the one you’re reading now), small content creators, and small businesses won’t stand a chance against large companies that can pay for partnerships with internet service providers. These websites could potentially get buried and even blocked from viewership. Internet users who can’t afford to pay for increased internet prices from their service providers may lose out all together. And don’t even get me started on the loss of social progression and the government control piece. You think movements like #metoo, or #BlackLivesMatter would have taken off if internet content was being controlled?
Ending net neutrality could change the internet as we know it.
So, what do we do about it? This. And it will only take you 5 minutes.
1. Go to gofccyourself.com (Thanks John Oliver for this shortcut to the hard-to-find FCC comment page!)
2. Click on the 17-108 link (Restoring Internet Freedom)
3. Click on “+Express”
4. Be sure to hit “ENTER” (or return key) on your keyboard after you put in your name, so it registers. (They make it a tad tricky there.)
5. In the comment section write, “I strongly support net neutrality backed by Title 2 oversight of ISPs.”
6. Click to Review, then Submit, done. Make sure you hit submit at the end!
7. Tell your friends. Tell your family. Tell your colleagues. Ask as many people as you can to follow suit. You can call them at 888-225-5332. Their website is: https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/search/proceedings?q=name:17-108
Stand up. Wear you are now.
xx
Natalie
Natalie
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