The political debate over Net Neutrality has been going on for many, many years now in this country against the backdrop of freedom of information vs. censorship.
What is net neutrality?
“NET NEUTRALITY IS the idea that internet service providers like Comcast and Verizon should treat all content flowing through their cables and cell towers equally. That means they shouldn’t be able to slide some data into “fast lanes” while blocking or otherwise discriminating against other material. In other words, these companies shouldn’t be able to block you from accessing a service like Skype, or slow down Netflix or Hulu, in order to encourage you to keep your cable package or buy a different video-streaming service.” – https://www.wired.com/story/guide-net-neutrality/
Having net neutrality means that companies that provide internet service cannot do anything that would prioritize some information over others or censor any information. Not having net neutrality means that companies that provide internet service can control how information passes through their network, effectively giving them the power to censor information for their customers.
Read the following list of pros and cons for net neutrality: https://vittana.org/13-pros-and-cons-of-net-neutrality
As of 2017, the Trump administration changed the regulatory classification of the internet which effectively removed all net neutrality protection at the federal level. It’s now up to the states as to whether or not to create net neutrality rules.
Currently Georgia only has legislation preventing the state from entering into contracts with companies that can’t certify their net neutrality. There is no other legislative protections. Find one of your Georgia state government representatives: https://georgia.gov/who-represents-you
Write a letter either:
Expressing your support for net neutrality and encouraging new legislation that would provide net neutrality protection or
Expressing your opposition to net neutrality and encouraging no consideration of new legislation that would provide net neutrality protection.
