Net neutrality

Net neutrality, often referred to as “net neutrality” or “open Internet” is a governing principle that organizations implementing regulatory measures of Internet traffic should treat all data on the Internet equally and not discriminate or charge differentially by user, content, website, platform, application, type of attached equipment, or mode of communication. Its aim is to ensure that all Internet users have equal access to Internet services such as web sites, media streaming, file transfers, and online gaming, without fear of discrimination or interference from the service provider.

Net neutrality is anchored on the idea that the Internet should remain an open platform, so that all users can benefit from the same opportunities and have access to the same levels of service. The concept of net neutrality is largely credited to Professor Tim Wu at Columbia Law School.

Net neutrality has several implications for the Internet, its users, and the content or service providers. Organizations that support net neutrality want to ensure that content providers and websites are not discriminated against based on source of origin. This eliminates the concept of “fast lanes” for content that come from large corporations or established websites, and ensures that smaller businesses and users can compete on the same level as the larger organizations. Additionally, providers must not be able to manipulate the Internet structure in order to increase profitability. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) would be required to remain neutral of content and services they offer, as to not interfere with certain websites or services.

Net neutrality in its current form has been in practice since 2015, when the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) promulgated the Open Internet Order, placing it in the Code of Federal Regulations. The order’s provisions were set to govern broadband ISPs behavior and prohibit them from blocking or slowing Internet traffic to and from certain websites in favor of other websites with whom they have established a financial relationship.

The US is not the only country to confront the issue of net neutrality. India, China, and Brazil are some of the countries which have put legal measures in place to ensure net neutrality. The EU has also put forward rules to ensure that ISPs do not grant preference to certain websites over others.

Net neutrality has been a major point of contention between different entities, including internet service providers and content producers, who hold varied positions on the subject. The changing regulations have consistently kept net neutrality a highly debated issue, and the debate is likely to continue as new technologies emerge.