Net neutrality repeal kills the freedom of internet

You can help save net neutrality by contacting your members of Congress. Here is a link to an official website that assists you in writing a letter to Congress.

One of the largest providers of information, if not the largest, is the internet.

It allows us to educate ourselves, communicate with others and stay up-to-date with news and entertainment.

All of that and more can be accessed freely with a few clicks.

That ability to access and use the internet freely is known as net neutrality.

More specifically, net neutrality prevents internet service providers (ISPs) like AT&T, Comcast and Verizon from altering the speed of or blocking forms of content entirely and subsequently charging their subscribers for it.

Net neutrality allows those with access to the internet the opportunity to consume and view all content equally, regardless of socio-economic status or the price they pay per month on their bill.

“As a citizen of the United States, I feel like I am entitled to have net neutrality; we all are,” freshman communication major at Cabrini University Jason Coladonato said. “I believe the internet should be free.”

“I think the rules are fair and support the idea that the internet is a utility that many people rely on and should not be micro managed,” junior computer science major at Cabrini University Tyree Holmes said.

However, this freedom and access is currently being threatened by those in higher positions of power.

Ajit Pai, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chairman under President Donald Trump, is working to revoke the freedoms and access put into place in 2015 by the Obama administration.

“(Under the Obama administration) companies cannot block websites, slow down websites or ask for a fee to get out of the ‘slow lane.’ These ISPs should be open and honest with consumers.  No matter what ISP you use, you should be able to access the internet without interference,” Jillian Smith, the associate director of student media at Cabrini University, said.

The Obama administration made the access people had to the internet and its content completely equal, totally indiscriminately. Everything was available to everyone, with no additional costs or any hindrances.

“The rules that are in place have an effect on our ISPs so that ISPs cannot restrict us from using the internet freely,” Chris Brady, a sophomore English and psychology major at Cabrini University, said. “It prevents a monopoly from happening on the internet.”

This kept the internet free and open but that may not be the case in a few weeks.

Pai’s proposal will allow ISPs to charge their users to view certain content and control the speed at which it is viewed.

“If net neutrality is killed by the FCC, this could all change and ISPs could charge money to view certain websites or slow down the speed of other websites just because they don’t align with their business needs,” Smith said. “The internet should be an open and free tool for all, not just for those who choose or are able to pay for it.”

The proposal will be voted on by the FCC on Thursday, Dec. 14.

“I think that the new rules are created to get rich quick. They will be able to sell website packages to people and get a good amount of money quickly, but I believe the long-term effect on our economy will not be worth it,” Holmes said.

If passed, the internet will no longer be of equal access to internet users and consumers.

“It sounds like wants Pai to restrict the internet to create profit, to create money. It will make it harder for less popular and dissonant voices to express themselves,” Brady said. “Pai is only trying to take the internet as a free space for everyone to equally engage in a way and monopolize it and make money off it so I do not think it’s good.”

Everyone would be affected by Pai’s intended plan.

“The negatives will be a lot of upset Americans on social media and there may be small riots and a lot of people’s lives could be affected. Perhaps I am blowing this out of proportions, but, overall, getting rid of our net neutrality is a step in the wrong direction,” Coladonato said.

Students should be aware of its potential effects as it could hinder opportunity.

“Students won’t be able to access all of the information needed in order to do their assignments comprehensively. If certain sites are blocked, however, hold valuable information regarding their topic or research, then the students aren’t gaining the education needed in order to complete the assignment,” Smith said. “It provides an unfair advantage to students who are able to pay for additional resources, in comparison to those students are unable to afford it.”

“It will be a huge impact on college students. Some people, including myself have online classes. Traditional classes that meet in class still have coursework online. Am I going to have to pay extra to access my school’s website to submit essays?” Holmes said.

Access to information and knowledge will be regulated, making consumption unfair and divided.

“If net neutrality is stopped, ISPs will be able to block or reduce access to sites that don’t serve their business interests or needs. This allows these big corporations to decide what consumers are able to access and view – leaving out a whole other side of the Internet that could share an alternative idea or opinion,” Smith said. “Users would only be able to see what is provided to them or only access what they can afford.”