What The Repeal Of Net Neutrality Regulations Might Mean For Us | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics

What The Repeal Of Net Neutrality Regulations Might Mean For Us

There are no winners with the FCC's ruling.

62
What The Repeal Of Net Neutrality Regulations Might Mean For Us
Wccftech

I'm sure that by now we've all heard the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to approve the so-called "Restoring Internet Freedom Order" which calls for revoking the net neutrality rules put into place in 2015. According to an article written by Timothy Karr of "Free Press", the repeal will now allow for the FCC to override the authority of internet service providers and clear the way "...for blocking, throttling and discrimination by the nation's largest phone and cable companies." To summarize, the repeal of the net neutrality regulations established in 2015 is not a good thing. This will hurt a lot of people in a variety of ways.

First of all, what exactly is net neutrality? In a way, it's the nondiscrimination law of the internet. It provides a platform on which anyone can speak. An article on "Save the Internet", funded by "Free Press" defines it as: "...the internet’s guiding principle: It preserves our right to communicate freely online. Net Neutrality means an internet that enables and protects free speech. It means that ISPs should provide us with open networks — and shouldn’t block or discriminate against any applications or content that ride over those networks. Just as your phone company shouldn’t decide who you call and what you say on that call, your ISP shouldn’t interfere with the content you view or post online." So now that we have a definition, we can talk about who this will hurt most and why.

Because net neutrality prevents discrimination, the repeal of certain regulations will hit marginalized communities the most: people of color, the LGBTQ community, religious minorities, indigenous people, and other marginalized groups. Net neutrality regulations are important for these marginalized communities because it provides a platform for organizing for racial justice, for activism. According to the aforementioned article by "Free Press," the "open internet allows people of color and other vulnerable communities to bypass traditional media gatekeepers. Without Net Neutrality, ISPs could block speech and prevent dissident voices from speaking freely online. Without Net Neutrality, people of color would lose a vital platform."

So what can we do? If you don't want net neutrality regulations repealed, then find ways to protest. There are all sorts of petitions going around, people are calling around so their voices can be heard. There may or may not be a chance. According to an article written by Devin Coldewey of "Tech Crunch", while there isn't a magical instantaneous solution to revoke the FCC's ruling, it may be possible to urge Congress to use a resolution of disapproval that would overturn the FCC's decision. However, this is not likely to succeed in spite of the massive disapproval of the ruling.

Without net neutrality, we all lose. Certain communities will be hit harder but in the end, we all lose. Internet Service Providers will decide who gets to view and post what, and we all know who will be the most affected by this. This is a step against social justice, and it is not one we can afford to take.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

181591
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

8453
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

453356
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

23829
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments