By Andrew Hollandsworth
On January 21, the Federal Communications Commission’s precedent of network neutrality was overturned after a successful suit from ISP (Internet Service Provider) Verizon. This decision could change the very way we see the Internet and the way it is accessed.
Network neutrality is the legal principle that stipulates that all website content must be equally accessible to all people and companies, regardless of social or economic status.
This precedent was adopted in 2010 when media giant Comcast attempted new payment schemes that divided broadband coverage into categories, with full access to the Internet being the highest priced. In 2013, Verizon sued the FCC on the grounds that broadband services are of Title I classification, which rejects the previous Title II classification of telecommunication services, which was specified in the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
Under this new ruling issued by the D.C Circuit court, various providers like Google, AT&T, Charter and Comcast are allowed to prioritize which users access what content and where they are allowed to use the Internet.
Not surprisingly, the FCC’s ruling has garnered some opposition from digital media giants like Netflix who states:
“Were this draconian scenario to unfold with some ISP, we would vigorously protest and encourage our members to demand the open Internet they are paying their ISP to deliver.”
Other companies such as Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Amazon, and eBay have also voiced disapproval of the ruling.
This debate is traced back to the previous Stop Online Piracy Acts (SOPA) and Protect IP Act (PIPA), which caused a massive public and online protest and the immediate postponement of voting in Congress.
Free speech advocacy groups and varied online news services are already speaking out against the possible abuses that the ISP groups will perpetrate. Verizon has issued a company statement concerning their commitment to a free Internet and the possibilities of better broadband services for users.
Currently, there is speculation that the various endangered companies might appeal the FCC’s ruling or counter-sue the supporting ISP’s on anti-trust and anti-monopoly grounds. FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler said in an interview:
“We will consider all available options, including those for appeal, to ensure that these networks on which the Internet depends continue to provide a free and open platform for innovation and expressions.”
A guest analyst stated in an interview with MassLive.com that an appeal or a rehearing will be a viable option for the FCC but will require a re-vote from the three federal judges appointed to the case.
This debate is ongoing, but the possible consequences for society at large are dire. If the Internet becomes a place where only mega-corporations can freely use the Internet and control what normal people read and say, what will become of smaller institutions like Milligan College?
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