The concept of net neutrality is based on the principle that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) should detach from controlling the kind of information that flows through their networks. Broadband provisions must remain indiscriminate and different charges should not apply according to the user, type of content, platforms or any other differences in criteria. Discriminate broadband network provision prioritizes certain types of information for specific users. Government intervention in matters relating to net neutrality often attracts divided opinion with proponents for these interventions claiming that lack of government control will allow ISP s to discriminate among users. Opponents of government control, however, think that the public can only optimally benefit from the internet if there is less focus on particular users. This paper explores the opinions raised on various articles on the topic of net neutrality to argue that existing standards are sufficient in determining internet usage, and government regulation are unnecessary.
Undoubtedly, net neutrality favors information access to government databases and websites, and its abolishment will compromise access to this information and the whole concept of democracy. As pointed out by Pitre (2018), government initiatives that rely on the internet for access to data and engagement are utterly undermined. The government desire to control the flow of information to the public is age-old and was almost efficiently effective before the internet age. The internet, however, gave the government less control over the kind of information that the public can access hence the desire by many governments to abolish net neutrality. Net neutrality allows the public a high level of choice and diversity in voicing their opinions on various matters within any country. Fear of loss of trust from the public if the government does not act according to their interests creates a strong desire for regulation. As such, net neutrality gives many purported democracies a great test in the current communication age.
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Deregulation of net neutrality allows easy flow of libertarian content, which allows the public greater freedom in questioning aspects of government policy and decisions. Regulation allows governments to collaborate with major players on the internet, such as Google, to censor content and only dispense information that favors their regimes (St. Cloud Times, 2018). Lack of information or access to information that favors specific ideologies will only turn the public into puppets that will align with destructive ideologies. Furthermore, net neutrality favors innovation and small internet start-ups. Neutrality offers a level playing field for all users as they access ideas and test them on various platforms (Day, 2018). Abolishing net neutrality will, therefore, have adverse effects on innovation as small companies may not be able to meet the pricing requirements for ISPs. Such a plan will leave the bigger players with the pay for their content to be delivered at faster speeds while startups grapple with slow loading times. While the government should favor innovation, big corporations have the resources to fund certain candidates and internet return benefits from policies such as regulations on net neutrality.
Divided opinions over the subject of net neutrality point to individual interests among stakeholders. Proponents are likely to argue using points that favor their ideological or business interests. Proponents will also put forward their claims according to their ideological inclinations. As such, it is prudent to approach the topic from a neutral perspective while also determining the best approach that is beneficial to both sides while also avoiding harm in the political, social and economic aspects. The benefits of deregulation of net neutrality in the form of greater innovation and better access and flow of information outweigh fears of granting internet freedom. Government regulation is therefore undesirable if the public is to fully benefit through the content available on the internet.
References
Day, J. (2018). Net neutrality and its impact on innovation. Ideascale . https://ideascale.com/net-neutrality-impact-on-innovation/
Pitre, S. (2018). Is net neutrality preserving the openness of government in the North American context? Open Governemnt Partnership . https://www.opengovpartnership.org/stories/is-net-neutrality-preserving-the-openness-of-government-in-the-north-american-context/
St. Cloud Times. (2018). Net Neutrality is all about government control . Cloud Times . https://www.sctimes.com/story/opinion/2018/01/23/net-neutrality-government-control/109693712/
