The FCC Votes To Kill Net Neutrality: WTF Is Net Neutrality And How Will This Affect Me?
By: Kayla Pasacreta
The Republican-led Federal Communications Commission (FCC) just voted to repeal net neutrality in a vote of 3-2. Net neutrality prohibited broadband networks from blocking websites and charging extra for certain content. Net neutrality has been the cornerstone of the internet experience - it prohibits your cable company from controlling the content you see and dictating your internet experience. With this repeal, these internet freedoms will soon be gone and internet providers will pretty much be able to do whatever tf they want to do.
The 2 commissioners who voted against the repeal, Mignon Clayburn and Jessica Rosenworce, are the only female commissioners. Rosenworce said the repeal is “on the wrong side of history, the wrong side of the law, and the wrong side of the American public.”
What is net neutrality?
According to SavetheInternet,
“Net neutrality means an internet that enables and protects free speech. It means ISPs should provide us with open networks - and shouldn’t block or discriminate against any applications or content that ride over those networks. ”
Does Trump have anything to do with this?
Yep, he handpicked chairman Ajit Pati, who led the vote.
Net neutrality wasn't officially law until 2015 so we'll still be gucci, right?
This is a myth! Although net neutrality officially became law in 2015, the concept of net neutrality/open internet has always been the fundamental framework of the internet.
So, is it really over?
It ain't over till its over! First of all, you won't see major changes overnight. The FCC will have to defend their decision in court. We can fight to urge Congress to step in and take a vote to save net neutrality. You can sign here to join the ACLU in demanding Congress take a vote on net neutrality.
