Net Neutrality – Should we Have Unrestricted Internet?
The issue of net neutrality has been a hot topic over the previous couple of years, especially in the US. With many people declaring the “death of net neutrality,” there’s still an ongoing debate whether net neutrality is a good or bad thing. While the end of network neutrality still isn’t upon us, it would undoubtedly make a significant impact on the Internet as a whole. In this week’s ZoogVPN, we’ll talk about the probability of this happening, the effect of the FCC repeal of net neutrality on the future of the Internet, and all other aspects you should know.
What is Net Neutrality?
Network neutrality is the principle that all internet communication must be treated equally. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) must not charge differently or discriminate any user based on the type of content, website, platform, source or destination address, application, or method of communication.
In 2017, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) had officially revoked net neutrality in the US. By the end of 2017, the FCC issued an entirely new set of regulations regarding net neutrality. This change means that now ISP providers can charge companies and users for speeding up their services, choose to slow down services of certain users, or completely block internet access of certain customers. In 2019, there was an attempt to reinstate net neutrality by the House of Representatives, but this process is still underway.
Most significant Advantages and Drawbacks of Net Neutrality
From the perspective of an average Internet user, network neutrality is a guarantee that your connection will be equal to all other online users. From the standpoint of your ISP, the question of net neutrality has an entirely different answer. So, depending on what point of view you look at this topic, your arguments for and against net neutrality will also be different. From an objective standpoint, net neutrality has both upsides and downsides. That said, let’s take a look at the biggest pros and cons of net neutrality.
Upsides of Network Neutrality
The biggest pro of network neutrality is that it guarantees a level playing field for all online users. Regardless if you’re an individual user or a large company, your ISP should offer you the same level of service. Without net neutrality in place, individual online users would fall behind, as they couldn’t afford to pay extra money to access the “fast-lanes.”
Additionally, without network neutrality, ISPs would be completely free to block or censor a particular type of content or websites they deem to be inappropriate or unsuitable of their agenda. In the same breath, ISPs could charge users for improving specific services such as video streaming, online gaming connection support, and others.
Downsides of Network Neutrality
Network neutrality is undoubtedly an invaluable aspect of the Internet. But, like any other thing, it also comes with certain disadvantages. The biggest downside of such an open playing field is that illicit and illegal content is widely available across the web. Anyone can access offensive, dangerous, and downright illegal content. Permanently repealing it would allow ISPs to filter such content, and also make it easier for the FCC to monitor and enforce the ISP’s compliance.
How a VPN can Help You
No matter on which side you stand regarding this issue, the repeal of network neutrality has already made noticeable differences. If left for permanent, it could completely change the outlook of the online world. As with everything else, the burden of safeguarding the right for free Internet is placed on the consumers. Luckily, there are a few useful tools you can use to make the playing field a bit more equal, the best ones being VPNs.
With a VPN service, you can combat the current restrictions and protect yourself from any future censorship. Of course, not all VPNs are the same. That’s why it’s crucial to pick a trustworthy and reliable VPN service. At ZoogVPN, we offer you a premium VPN service that comes with all of the necessary safety and privacy features. Equally important, our premium service starts at only a few bucks per month. This makes it an excellent choice for all online users who value their online privacy. Get ZoogVPN today and ensure your right to a private and unrestricted Internet.
Yaroslav S.CEO at ZoogVPN. Yaroslav is a versatile manager with extensive customer support experience. His historical background and a deep passion for philosophy perfectly complete a real desire to create meaningful content and tech products.
