The Repeal of Net Neutrality: What it Means for the Future of the Internet

The Internet has come a long way since its early days as a chaotic Wild West where anyone with an idea and a website designer friend could build their own corner of the web. However, the recent repeal of net neutrality rules in the US threatens to put an end to this chaotic, innovative spirit and turn the Internet into a boring place dominated by a few big players.

Net neutrality rules, put in place by the FCC in 2015, ensured that internet service providers (ISPs) could not discriminate against any lawful content by blocking websites or apps, or slow the transmission of data based on the nature of the content. It also prohibited ISPs from creating fast lanes for companies and consumers who paid premiums and slow lanes for everyone else. These principles allowed entrepreneurship to thrive on the internet. Without them, the internet could become dominated by a few big players like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Netflix, Amazon, and Twitter, as smaller, up-and-coming websites and apps struggle to load as quickly as their established competitors.

In some parts of the US, there is only one or a few ISPs available, making it difficult for users to switch to a different provider if their current one begins to discriminate against certain websites or content. This means that small businesses hoping to have a strong online presence may have to pay for premium service from the ISPs in order to ensure their content is easily accessible to customers. Without net neutrality, the internet may become a place where access to the whole web requires multiple bundle purchases, making it difficult for businesses to reach their target audience.

While the major American ISPs have currently made commitments not to discriminate against their clients, these agreements are subject to change at any time and may not adequately protect small businesses and consumers. It's important for people to be aware of the potential consequences of the repeal of net neutrality and to advocate for the restoration of these important rules.