by Alexis Cala, PICurrent Assistant Producer
Courtesy of Extra Ketchup
The Internet is a free and open place for exchanging ideas, finding information, and connecting with people around the world. But what if you got online to find that the site you wanted wasn’t available or had been blocked? Several principals loosely regulate the Internet. These principals, called Network Neutrality, give you control over the content and applications you use. With more people online and more access via cell phones and other devices, FCC is suggesting new standards be adopted to keep the Internet an open system (read the full story on The Washington Post).
The Chairman of the FCC, Julius Genachowski, is proposing two new principals be added and that these principals become enforceable rules. In the proposal, Internet providers (AT&T, Comcast, etc.) would be required to treat all Internet traffic equally. In the past, some companies have been able to limit access to content because it made connections sluggish or competed with their services. Treating Web traffic equally means providers could no longer block or slow down certain services. The proposal also requires transparency of the provider’s network management practices, or how they’re running their portion of the Web.
Tell us what you think. Is net neutrality important to you? Should Internet providers be allowed to control access to certain websites and services in an effort to protect their networks? Or is this a straw-man argument? Should the FCC become Internet “smart cops”? The FCC wants to hear from you too. OpenInternet.gov was created to get everyone talking about the future of the internet, so make sure you’re heard. Also, check out The Beehive for more information on the web and some safety tips to keep in mind while you’re surfing.
