Net neutrality is an important, if often overlooked, issue facing our internet immersed culture. The concept is a simple one. The belief that one person, who pays to access the internet, should be able to use the internet as they see fit. This is an issue because many internet service providers are attempting to put limits on your internet usage, or prioritize certain sites to increase profits.
The Canadian bill C-552 proposed the enforcement of net neutrality. Though it did not go through due to the dissolving of the 39th parliament last year.
“Network operators shall not engage in network management practices that favour, degrade or prioritize any content, application or service transmitted over a broadband network based on its source, ownership or destination.”(Angus 1)
The business model proposed by some is aimed at making the internet more like TV. Media companies will manufacture the content, rather than individuals. The internet would go the way of radio; no longer can any individual broadcast their ideas, only specific providers owned by media companies do. No one should be able to “own” the internet, yet if we do not take a stand on this net neutrality issue companies will begin locking things down and charging people to access them. How do you feel about 50 cents an email, or a penny a click when you are on the web?
There is something else concerning about this issue. Google recently unveiled their Chrome operating system. This is the first ever, cloud based operating system. This means that nothing is stored on your computer, it’s all online, and your computer is just an access point. This is a fascinating new technology but think of the implications with net neutrality.
Google, the world’s most successful search engine, is a trusted site that’s sole purpose is to allow for the quick easy and cheap dissemination of information across the internet. They create an operating system that could be cheaper and more efficient then Windows or Macs. Ipso facto people quickly make the switch and buy that operating system. Then, just as everyone becomes totally dependent on the internet, the internet service providers crack down on internet usage and laws are finalized to limit usage and lock down the internet. Do we have reason to worry?
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Work Cited
Angus, Charlie. Bill C-552. Ottawa: Publishing and Depository Services, 2008. Print
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