The internet is a global network of computers linked together by a backbone of fiber optic lines. These lines are controlled by companies like AT&T, Level3, Verizon, and Quest which sell access to regional internet service providers. Since its beginnings the internet has practiced “net neutrality,” giving all packets the same priority. Unfortunately, there are a number of providers that wish to capitalize on their pipelines by charging large companies for preferential treatment. If they have their way, the internet will be transformed into a pay to play environment, where the businesses with the most money get the most bandwidth.
By giving preferential treatment to large firms, small businesses will be unable to compete for your attention. Soon the freedom of information that we have grown to love will be no more. The internet will no longer be a place where everyone has a voice, but a place where your bank account dictates how much you are allowed to contribute to the conversation.
As corporate interests begin to take over, the objectivity of information will soon become tainted. Instead of hearing both sides of an issue, we will only hear the side most able to afford our attention. The internet will turn into a large auction with firms trying to outbid each other for preferential treatment.
Fortunately, there are a number of organizations fighting for your right to freely share information. One such organization, Save the Internet, is a coalition that is fighting to protect openness of the internet. So far over 1.7 million individuals have signed a petition on their site urging congress and the FCC protect net neutrality.
If you value your freedom, you are encouraged to visit savetheinternet.org and sign the petition. From their site, you can also make a donation, become a fan on Facebook, or follow them on Twitter.
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I like to compare the internet to a highway–it sounds unoriginal but hear me out.
No business or person should, or does, receive preferential treatment on the Dwight D Eisenhower Federal Highway System no matter how big the semi-truck or small the VW driving on it.
Still, traffic runs smoothly (mostly) and everyone happily gets to their destinations. Potentially, a large corporation uses more road space more often (assuming they ship packages and stuff) but they don’t deserve more space than the three person family driving to grandma’s house for the weekend.
Why not? Because it is not the government’s job to make judgment calls about the relative importance of travelers.
I think the internet should be kept free and Eisenhower will be kept happy.