Assignment 12: Network Neutrality

There are many definitions of network neutrality, and it is almost hard to pinpoint what the true definition actually is. However, it is almost better to make up your own definition for it just as long as you understand the concept of it. I defined network neutrality as: A network that is free of restrictions and that allows the express of all forms of communication. I also found this video on Youtube very helpful in explaining network neutrality. The current debate on network neutrality is whether or not restrictions on internet networks should be enabled. There are two sides to every story. To enable restrictions on network neutrality would mean that information provided by the internet may be censored. An example would be like censoring pornography. Your internet provider would be in charge of all the restrictions. Another way your internet service provider may enable restrictions is to direct internet “traffic flow” and to block certain content like spam or viruses. On the flip side of things, the internet service providers may abuse the restrictions and according to the Jones article from Information Newsweek, “without some type of anti-discrimination law or standards, cable and telecommunications companies could control users' access by blocking content from competitors, favoring certain applications, charging higher rates to deliver information into people's homes and offices and failing to inform people of their capacity” (Jones, 2007).
Many interests are at steak here, the peoples for one, the government for another and the internet service providers. Many people feel that certain rights and privileges would be taken away if network neutrality were taken away. The government would have the responsibility of regulating it if restrictions were placed, and the internet service providers I believe would abuse the privileges if restrictions were placed and they were in charge. First of all the internet service providers are a business first and foremost and they are here to make money. If they are getting paid to direct internet flow to a certain search engine, it is in their best interest to take the money that say, Google is offering. This would greatly dissatisfy the internet users because they don’t want to be subjected to those kinds of restrictions; its unfair and it may make less people use the internet or make others switch their internet service providers. However the problem is that switching service providers is not a way to solve this. Also I believe that people would just find a way around the internet restrictions like they do now. If laws or standards are enabled and are influenced by the government this again limits people’s privileges on the internet. The government may want to collect some sort or revenue along with the service providers.
I feel very torn about this debate because I think both arguments present good points. However if I had to choose one I would go with not emplacing restrictions on network neutrality. I agree with the article above, serious precautions would have to be made in order to place restrictions on the internet. I don’t feel that the companies would be responsible to emplace the restrictions themselves and I feel the same about the government as well and there is no saying that the government would strike a deal with the providers as well to taking in any more income if the providers require more money. Obviously I feel that many things should be censored on the internet like child pornography and so on but I think at this stage of the game the ball is already rolling and its hard to stop it once people have already experience something they like, which is network neutrality. Also I feel that gate keeping is not the way to go with the internet because it is not successful in the media why would it be successful with the internet?

References:

Jones, K.C. Net Neutrality Debate Remains Contentious. InformationNewsweek. 16 Mar.2007. Retrieved from: < http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=198001557 >.

Youtube. Save the internet! 8 Dec. 2006. Retrieved from: .