Net neutrality

Screenshot-2017-10-28 MEO - Televisão, Internet, Telefone e Telemóvel

Abandonment rate of online video users for different Internet connectivities

Net neutrality is the principle that Internet service providers (ISPs) and governments should treat all data on the Internet equally, not discriminating or charging differentially by user, content, website, platform, application, type of attached equipment, or mode of communication. The term was coined by Columbia University media law professor Tim Wu in 2003 as an extension of the longstanding concept of a common carrier, which was used to describe the role of telephone systems.

Overview

Net neutrality requires all Internet traffic to be treated equally, without blocking, slowing down, or charging money for specific online content. Without net neutrality, ISPs could potentially prioritize certain types of traffic, interfere with competing services, or charge additional fees for higher-quality delivery or access to certain content.

History

The debate over net neutrality has been ongoing since the early 2000s, with significant attention in the United States following the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) attempts to enforce net neutrality rules. In 2015, the FCC implemented strong net neutrality regulations that classified ISPs as Title II telecommunications services, but these were rolled back in 2018 under a new FCC administration, sparking widespread debate and legal challenges.

Arguments for Net Neutrality

Proponents of net neutrality argue that it is essential for maintaining an open Internet where all users have equal access to information and can freely communicate without interference from ISPs. They claim that net neutrality promotes innovation by ensuring that startups and small businesses have the same opportunities as established companies to reach users and offer new services.

Arguments Against Net Neutrality

Opponents of net neutrality argue that it imposes unnecessary regulations on ISPs, which could hinder investment in infrastructure and innovation. They believe that ISPs should be able to offer specialized services and manage their networks to ensure the best possible user experience, including the prioritization of certain types of traffic.

Impact on Society

The principle of net neutrality has significant implications for freedom of expression, innovation, and the digital economy. It affects how people access and share information, how new online services develop, and how digital markets evolve.

Legal and Regulatory Status

The legal and regulatory status of net neutrality varies by country. Some countries have implemented laws or regulations that enforce net neutrality, while others rely on voluntary agreements or have no specific net neutrality rules.

See Also

• Internet governance
• Digital rights
• Information privacy