For anyone who works in a field relating to web use or has ever just surfed the web, you may have heard of the term, “net neutrality”. It’s a term that is commonly thrown around, but it’s not a concept that is widely understood by your average web user. It is, however, something that we should all be familiar with, as it is the very idea that defines our web freedoms. So, what is net neutrality? Let’s take a closer look:
What is Net Neutrality?
Net neutrality is the idea that there are no restrictions on the public’s access to web content. This includes no restrictions on downloads, uploads or methods of communication (e.g. email, messaging, IM, chat, etc.). Net neutrality ensures that our access cannot be blocked, slowed down or sped up simply based on the access location or by who owns given access points.
For the average web user (in the United States, that is, as some other countries’ governments pose restrictions on access), this means that when you decide to go online, you will be able to access the Web in its entirety without any restrictions, whatsoever. The freedom that governs the Web means that at any time you can access any and all websites, videos, downloads, emails, etc. This is hugely important, as it is this access to knowledge and communication that helps us, as an entire community and population, grow and explore through the sharing of information and creativity.
The freedom of net neutrality is the very reason why the Web has seen such remarkable growth over the last 26 years (since it was first created in 1991). It is also the inspiration for shared creativity, innovation and inventiveness, as seen through websites like Google, YouTube, movie databases like Netflix and Hulu, Wikipedia and so many more. It is because of net neutrality that we have so many options and abilities to communicate, freely, with people in real time and on a personal basis, from our friends and families to celebrities and official leaders.
Why is Net Neutrality So Important?
Without net neutrality, the loss of web freedom could result in serious consequences. Net neutrality is the foundation of our ability to enjoy and use the Web, freely. Without that freedom, we would see restrictions on our abilities to access websites and downloads, as well as experience controlled creativity and corporate-governed services. Thought, innovation and communication as we know it would cease to exist.
Unfortunately, these freedoms may actually be in peril, as more and more companies pop up with vested interests in making sure that web access is not freely available. Companies see our web freedoms as potential means to make profit in a “pay for play” ploy. It is for this reason that all who have ever and will ever use the Web must be informed and educated on our freedoms and rights for its use and why we must all fight to maintain these rights.
Net neutrality is important because it is a concept that stands to give the public access to information in order to communicate, create, educate and inform. As it currently stands, its very neutrality depends on nondiscriminatory use, rather, it stands to promote common access. So, for all of those who appreciate this most valuable of freedoms and wish for it to remain intact, it all starts with a little education.
If you’d like to learn more about how net neutrality affects your business and your customers, Contact us at 773.631.6851.
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