Pros And Cons Of Net Neutrality

Net Neutrality is an issue of whether the government should get involved when it comes to internet service providers or carriers treating all content on the Internet equally. For instance, prohibiting the provider from charging different prices by site, content, or user, no matter how popular and in demand one might be. The question of net neutrality being required by law has recently become a very controversial topic and has sparked many extensive debates on whether net neutrality should be required by law. Many people have raised concerns about the power that broadband providers use to potentially block certain Internet content and their competitors.

Those in favor of net neutrality believe that websites that providing content and the users who search for it are equal; therefore no one should be given preferential treatment at the cost of others. “The net neutrality debate is one of several sites of struggles to adapt and redefine rights and obligations of stakeholders in the Internet-centric communications system. Its outcomes will shape the future of the Internet and influence the level and distribution of its benefits.” (Bauer,

Johannes M.). There are many pros and cons to this issue but the possibility of regulations created to monitor the neutrality of the Internet will ultimately be a good thing.

Net neutrality is crucial in allowing Internet users to receive the content that he or she desires and not get censored by their Internet service provider.

Without net neutrality, only a few powerful phone and cable companies will control the

Internet. These companies will be able to create cost structures which could hamper user access and services, making it more difficult for us to com...

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...st, not the results that paid the most to be front and center.

It is true that many people are fearful of the government’s regulations on things that are highly important to the lives of millions. However, it is widely assumed that with the absence of net neutrality certain users of the internet will pay more for the same service, have less creative freedom and success, and have a harder time finding the search results they need. On top of that, the service providers will have a great influence on what stays and what goes on the Internet.

“The Internet is the world's largest shopping mall, library, video store, post office and town square. When you turn on your computer, you’re in the driver’s seat, choosing what you want to read, watch and hear.” (Downes, Larry). The accessibility, freedom, and low or no cost of the

Internet is due to Net Neutrality.