'Net Neutrality' is Under Attack -- You Need to Care About This

The term 'Net Neutrality' might not mean much to you, but it should -- since you are reading this, it's easy to derive you utilize the Internet in some capacity. The Internet works quite well (though it has drawbacks) and only continues to improve as the world of technology speedily advances. It isn't broken at all, yet our lovely federal government is quite possibly teaming up with mega Internet providers like Comcast and Time Warner to "fix" something that isn't broken. While you may not think this issue affects you, I assure you it does. As of now, the Internet is an even playing field, with all websites, no matter how big or small, treated equally -- but the Federal Communications Commission is endorsing potential new rules online that would destroy the Internet as we know it. With proposed changes, all the information online would not be treated equal with some sites (the sites with the ability to fork over extra cash) paying for access to the "fast lane" on the Internet. Fundamentally, this might sound like a nice idea. But once the Internet providers control the speed of access to certain sites, they clearly have more power over Internet usage -- and these giant corporations already have a ton of power. Who is to say they cannot soon determine the information that is "worthwhile," the information we should be accessing? As the old saying goes: "Absolute power corrupts absolutely." This is a slippery slope the FCC is headed down, one that could damage the beauty and freedom of the Internet as we know it. But it wouldn't be our wonderful federal government if they weren't trying to tackle and fix something that isn't broken. To get a better picture of this issue, check out John Oliver breaking it all down with a twist of comedy. Though the video is over ten minutes long, it perfectly illuminates the issue while also entertaining -- so it's well worth the full view. If you want to voice your distaste for this move by the FCC, let them know, passionately. Follow this link to do so.   Image via: Google  

  The personal views expressed in this post are the writers’ own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Minnesota Connected or its sponsors.