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Pros And Cons Of Net Neutrality

501 Words3 Pages

Originally, the internet was viewed as a telecommunication service, and therefore was protected by the same laws. That it is a free open source for the consumer to access, without any restrictions. It was protected under the Title II “telecommunication service”. The transmitting of information between two distinct points. However, in 2002 the FCC reclassified it to Title I after the use of the cable modem service began. The FCC chairman at the time, Powell, sparked the idea of the four internet freedoms. Freedom to access content; under this freedom consumer should be given access to the legal content of their choice. Any restraints should be made clear and should be as miniscule as needed. Freedom to use applications; applications should be …show more content…

His idea behind net neutrality was that it would diminish discriminatory internet practices. In 2007, was the first attempt at making this idea a reality. Comcast had been throttling traffic on a file sharing site Bit torrent. Public knowledge and Free Press weren’t happy and filed a complaint against Comcast. The FCC came to conclusion the conclusion Comcast had violated the internet policy statement and had to stop. Comcast responded to the ruling by appealing to the D.C circuit. Ultimately, Comcast won, leaving the FCC with a decision to reclassify net neutrality or abandoned the idea completely. In 2010, the FCC danced around the idea of reclassifying under Title II, however many are against that, because of the rules and regulations. The idea bounced around for a couple years before deciding to stick with the legitimate net neutrality rules. This came after public outcry, and the decision was close to being finalized. 2015 was the third attempt at legitimate net neutrality rules. The court ruled in favor of the FCC 3-2, and for the first time net neutrality was official. Although slim, net neutrality pulled through. There were worries that internet service providers influence on Congress would affect the decision. Members of Congress have huge stocks in companies like Comcast and Verizon. Both have large enough revenue to sway a decision. Another worry of the ruling is the future of net neutrality. The legal battles between the FCC and internet service providers. There’s belief that they will appeal and exploit any loose holes within net

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