Net Neutrality

The Internet is something my generation has come to rely on. It’s where I start most of my research, where I find most of my entertainment, and how I connect with family and friends. Because I’ve always had the Internet, I’ve never questioned it, or realized how much I appreciated it. When we discussed the ethics on which the Internet is based, I truly realized the potential of the Internet, and how much we need it. Now, we have Network Neutrality, this “prevents Internet providers from blocking, speeding up or slowing down Web content based on its source, ownership or destination.” The Internet allows for the marketplace of ideas that major media hegemonies does not. The newspapers and news programs we rely on have obligations to their networks and the corporations that own those networks. The freedom of the Internet allows people to do what I am doing now, to state and publish their opinion. Network Neutrality has been a hot topic during the U.S presidential election. Newly elected president, Barack Obama stated that if “providers start to privilege some applications or websites over others, then the smaller voices get squeezed out and we all lose” (Barack). A lot of our news is already censored by corporate interest, if phone companies control the Internet and corporations become involved, the Internet will no longer be an equal, neutral playing field. Www.SaveTheInternet.com has more information on net neutrality, and information on how you can help save the Internet.


Works Cited
“Barack Obama: On Net Neutrality” [Video]. 14 November 2007. 15 November 2008. .