12/12/2017
I don't think I have ever officially protested anything in my life, but there's a small chance I'll be really annoying on social media this week. (Summary: at the very least use these hashtags as much as possible in the next two days )
I just recently did a report on the effects of the repeal of net neutrality, and I found enough chilling information that I've decided to participate in a protest. If you don't know already, currently the internet is public domain, and it is neutral in the sense that it is currently illegal for internet providers to throttle speeds on certain sites in order to charge more for payment plans (like cable TV). the repeal of the net neutrality laws allows ISPs to go as far as blocking entire sites. (Think Netflix, Facebook, etc.) making you pay to access these "channels."
Without these laws, it is very likely that small businesses will not be able to afford fast internet speeds and will therefore be forced out of competition with large companies (think startups, and sties like AirBnb, Soundcloud, Vimeo, Grub Hub) . It also prevents new companies from entering the market without significant capital. It will effect more than just the consumer. Higher internet prices for pre existing websites will require these sites to raise prices in order to not go out of business, (again think Netflix, Amazon, Youtube, Facebook, Instagram). The list goes on. Business websites, news sites, Informational sites (Wikipedia), entertainment sites, gaming services.
Joining the protest is admittedly annoying... but not as annoying as buffering for the rest of our lives... Nor as annoying as Verizon, Comcast, AT&T, Time Warner, etc all choking out small businesses and raising prices for your favorite sites.
PS, this is 100% going through unless something happens before thurs. Blow up their pages!!!