India continues to uphold the freedom of the individual to decide what he does on the internet, while the US telecom regulators are on the brink of deconstructing it. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), an independent agency of the US government that oversees all digital communication, recently announced a decision to repeal net neutrality rules. What does this mean?
When you go online on your cell phone, you decide what you want to surf for. Whether you want to watch GOT on HotStar or Stranger Things on Netflix, you get to decide. Now imagine if your service provider were to ask you pay more for one while you continue to use the same amount of data? Would not that mean that your service provider is manipulating your choice over the internet?
Net Neutrality means the basic principle that prohibits internet service providers from speeding up, slowing down or blocking any content, applications or websites you want to use. Net Neutrality is the way that the internet has always worked.
It means an internet that enables and protects free speech. It means that ISPs should provide us with open networks — and shouldn’t block or discriminate against any applications or content that ride over those networks. Just as your phone company shouldn’t decide who you call and what you say on that call, your ISP shouldn’t interfere with the content you view or post online.
Yesterday, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released its recommendations on net neutrality that make it mandatory for telecom companies to treat the internet. Telecom companies cannot control the content people access or the speed at which all online traffic flows. Violators may be fined up to Rs50 lakh.
Last February, TRAI shut out Facebook’s Free Basics program after a prolonged debate, ending the social media giant’s efforts to offer free access to a limited web in India.
The support for an open internet is very important, especially as we surge towards an Internet of Things. It a cause de celebre as Net Neutrality seems to win the battle against the vested commercial interests of a few.
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