Net Neutrality needed to save the Internet
Brandon Van Westen
Issue date: 11/4/09 Section: Opinion & Editorial
Agreed. That sounds fairly unconstitutional. For the FCC to simply will itself to enforce Internet traffic is backhanded, dangerous and against the basis of our government. Does that mean I want Mediacom to have the option to limit access to specific Web sites and services? Absolutely not.
Service outages and other technical issues with the Internet can be common across the country. Others still are concerned that FCC Net Neutrality regulations could hinder ISPs from accessing their networks for technical purposes.
Organizations like the Electronic Frontier Foundation (a Net Neutrality proponent) are reluctant to support the FCC's proposed rules. The same power that could be used for good could easily be invoked to censor the Internet for both indecent and pirated content.
The Internet should not be treated like previous forms of communication. While technologies like radio and television were limited, the Internet is a limitless resource and opportunity. It shouldn't be placed into a myriad of government or corporate regulations. To cast the Internet into a revolving state of limbo with the FCC or ISPs in charge of what is allowed or not is dangerous and against the purpose of the Internet.
In this situation, all of this rigamarole and obfuscation can be avoided with a condensed, defined piece of regulation proposed by Congress, enforced by the FCC and monitored by the People. No single entity should be entrusted with the power of the Internet. It provides a freedom of speech that is unrivaled. In its current state, it provides the ultimate environment for democratic speech and business. ISPs should be more concerned about providing as much bandwidth (and innovation) as possible. Without the freedom of an open Internet, the end user will be stifled and left without choice. Without choice, government and corporations will have an unparalleled amount of power and will impact our country - and the world - negatively.
Service outages and other technical issues with the Internet can be common across the country. Others still are concerned that FCC Net Neutrality regulations could hinder ISPs from accessing their networks for technical purposes.
Organizations like the Electronic Frontier Foundation (a Net Neutrality proponent) are reluctant to support the FCC's proposed rules. The same power that could be used for good could easily be invoked to censor the Internet for both indecent and pirated content.
The Internet should not be treated like previous forms of communication. While technologies like radio and television were limited, the Internet is a limitless resource and opportunity. It shouldn't be placed into a myriad of government or corporate regulations. To cast the Internet into a revolving state of limbo with the FCC or ISPs in charge of what is allowed or not is dangerous and against the purpose of the Internet.
In this situation, all of this rigamarole and obfuscation can be avoided with a condensed, defined piece of regulation proposed by Congress, enforced by the FCC and monitored by the People. No single entity should be entrusted with the power of the Internet. It provides a freedom of speech that is unrivaled. In its current state, it provides the ultimate environment for democratic speech and business. ISPs should be more concerned about providing as much bandwidth (and innovation) as possible. Without the freedom of an open Internet, the end user will be stifled and left without choice. Without choice, government and corporations will have an unparalleled amount of power and will impact our country - and the world - negatively.
The Collegian is not responsible for any comments made by contributors below.
However, The Collegian will exercise its right to moderate and edit comments which are deemed to be offensive or unsuited to the subject matter of this site.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Imagephreak
posted 11/08/09 @ 12:29 PM CST
It's another power grab by the Federal Govt. WAKE UP PEOPLE!
Mitch
Mitch
posted 11/16/09 @ 9:19 PM CST
I disagree, Brandon. We citizens do not need net neutrality, unless we strictly define the phrase as the State's position towards a truly free marketplace. (Continued…)
Post a Comment