Where Do You Fall in the Net Neutrality Debate?
took a stance on Monday favoring the most aggressive Internet regulation proposal being considered by the Federal Communications Commission. Reclassification, which would allow the FCC to significantly increase its power to regulate broadband providers, is a divisive issue.First, a quick refresher: Net neutrality refers to the concept that all data on the Internet should be treated equally. Advocates of net neutrality argue that this impartiality is key to everything we love about the Internet — free speech, innovation, creativity and fair play.
The FCC, being the regulator of broadband Internet companies, is tasked with protecting this ideal. Its chairman, Tom Wheeler, has been considering numerous plans, the most aggressive of which is reclassification.
The proposal has ardent supporters on each side:
Net neutrality is complex, and there is no shortage of viewpoints on the subject. The FCC received more than 3 million comments during a period of public debate on the topic; many of those called for reclassification. Many of those asked the government to keep out of it.
Image: Mashable/Christopher Mineses
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