Goodbye, Net Neutrality
With a 3-2 vote the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) eliminated its power over net neutrality. This decision paved the way for internet service providers to charge their subscribers for faster access.
Internet companies need not be micro-managed said Ajit Pai, Chairman of the FCC. “It is not going to end the internet as we know it. It is not going to kill democracy. It is not going to stifle free expression online,” Pai added.
The FCC removed its responsibility over these online companies. The Federal Trade Commission. (FTC) will now go after companies if they violate consumers’ rights and practice unfair business competitions.
It is reported that Comcast, an internet provider who favors the removal of net neutrality, is now ready to provide fast lanes. This means that Comcast can oblige streaming services like Netflix to pay for faster internet access. Streaming services in turn will pass these charges to their subscribers.
Over the past few months since the middle of 2017, many have protested against the FCC’s decision. These online companies like Reddit, Etsy and Kickstarter cried for preservation of net neutrality, or rules that ensure equal access to the internet.
However, big tech companies like Facebook and Google have kept their silence these past few days. It seemed that they were less vocal on the issue. Was it because they were facing more regulatory battles that net neutrality was not their priority?