What Happens Now That Net Neutrality Is Gone
Today marks the end – but not irrevocable death – of net neutrality. You’ve probably heard the phrase “net neutrality” before, but just in case you need to be reminded, here’s what: net neutrality was a set of rules introduced during the Obama presidency that basically required equality for all Internet content.
In other words, this legal protection prevented ISPs from blocking or slowing down certain sites because they liked it, or because you didn’t pay them $ 5 to “update Facebook faster,” which many fans of net neutrality fear in the future. …
In addition, the rules prevented a company (like Comcast) from doing something crazy, like letting Netflix run at hyperspeed while slowing Hulu to a crawl just because one gave them a ton of money and the other didn’t. The idea behind the Open Internet Rule , as it was known, was to make everyone equal for everyone.
The abolition of network neutrality – bad news for consumers, but now, when the Federal Communications Commission has canceled these rules, we return to the world of the Wild West on the Internet.
What does this mean for you the end of net neutrality?
Right now, probably a little. While ISPs can now do all sorts of nasty things, they probably aren’t going to be doing it anytime soon. At least not where they fear competition from other providers.
AT&T, Verizon and Comcast have publicly stated that they do not block or slow down content, and they have no plans to do so. However, these were the same companies that supported the cancellation, so you might be suspicious of their promises. If you are purchasing an Internet plan from any of them, now is probably the best time to consider switching to the provider who really spoke out against the cancellation – if there is any real competition in your area .
Now is probably also a good time to learn a fast VPN . After all, your ISP cannot stifle what it can’t see. (However, you will not want to use the VPN, if your internet provider will start offering you an attractive offer – for example, «Netflix does not count towards your monthly limit of data” – now that the legislative changes to give them back interest paid peering. And zero rating . However, you must hate this practice, because it undermines the notion of a free and open Internet.)
Net neutrality is not the final deal, just more complex
Congress is currently trying to reverse the repeal through the Congressional Review Act . The vote to overturn the FCC decision has already passed the Senate and went to the House, where it will definitely die in the House controlled by the Republicans (and if not there, then, most likely, when it meets with the pen of President Trump).
In addition, a number of organizations (such as Mozilla ) have filed lawsuits in an attempt to counter the FCC’s net neutrality waiver, as well as a number of state attorneys general . In addition, a number of states are looking to pass their own net neutrality laws that will give you the same (if not the same) Internet experience as before. Oregon, Washington and Vermont have already passed net neutrality laws, and many other countries have yet to pass the law.
And hey, Democrats could even win some big political victories in the upcoming November elections. However, it can turn net neutrality into a political issue that can become wavering until one day the bipartisan group can work out some kind of permanent rule. (Don’t hold your breath.)