Net neutrality….boy did I feel like I was researching a levy that was being placed on the ballot! There is so much information out there regarding the pros and cons, the for and opposed that I had a hard time actually trying to figure it all out. I have decided that I am for net neutrality. Why change what is working just fine? This is not because I don’t like changes. I’m all for trying new things and such, but really, why should we change this? I really don’t think that we should be monitored by the government and other regulatory offices. Who benefits from this bill, the government or could it be the internet providers that will benefit from this bill?
One article (“Don't Let Verizon and Google Set the Rules for Net Neutrality,” n.d.) stated that “Verizon and Google announced this week that they have it all figured out when it comes to the future of the Internet. They unveiled a policy framework that would give telecom companies the right to speed up or slow down certain kinds of content, and to block outright applications or content on wireless networks.”
I visited the website commoncause.org and found a lot of information regarding this situation. They state, “Without Net Neutrality, Internet service providers would be free to block or impede any online content or services, for any reason.” I don’t know about anyone else, but I certainly don’t think that I want someone telling me what I can and can’t look at on the internet. This is like taking us back to the days when book burning happened. Who wants to have other people tell them what is good for them and what is not?
If they do pass these bills as the Washington Post has reported in an article, one of the bills state that this will allow the web firms and advertisers to collect basic information about users unless these people actively remove themselves from this collection. This type of information does not bother as much as someone limiting where all I can visit on the web.
Anytime the government gets in the middle of anything, there are so many gray areas and so much confusion that no one knows what is happening.
Don't Let Verizon and Google Set the Rules for Net Neutrality - Common Cause. (n.d.). Common Cause - Common Cause. Retrieved October 28, 2010, from http://www.commoncause.org/siteapps/advocacy/ActionItem.aspx?c=dkLNK1MQIwG&b=6179067
Net Neutrality - Common Cause. (n.d.). Common Cause - Common Cause. Retrieved October 28, 2010, from http://www.commoncause.org/site/pp.asp?c=dkLNK1MQIwG&b=4773657
Political Economy - After midterms, net neutrality could take a hit. (n.d.). Blog Directory (washingtonpost.com). Retrieved October 29, 2010, from http://voices.washingtonpost.com/political-economy/2010/10/after_midterms_net_neutrality.html
Why don't you want the government involved?
ReplyDeleteI work for the government and I still don't want them involved! I don't always believe that the government has the people's best interest in mind when they get involved. They create more work and wreak more havoc with all the stipulations that they put into things. When they do create new rules and regulations, they are very gray in most areas and most of the time, the people that have to enforce these regulations cannot even understand them themselves! Anything that they put their mitts on seems to be only in the best interest for them and what they believe is best for us. It seems like many times, they just "do,” instead of research what needs to happen.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Andie
I like what you said about feeling like you were researching a levy on a ballot hahah.. that's how I felt too. As far as the government getting involved, Our government should have more serious issues to deal with than regulating the flow of websites ( Atleast I would HOPE so!!). I think Net Neutrality would more benefit the companies who are acting as the "gate keepers"... either way I think its a silly concept all together.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean Andie. Good grief; Obama’s biggest threats may be Comcast, Verizon and Google, ha! Who are they trying to kid? I never in my life thought I would live to see such a greed driven financial fiasco come close to bankrupting this country and then turn right around to see large corporations trying to secure their financial future through governmental force. Amazing.
ReplyDeleteHi Andie,
ReplyDeleteI can completely see what you are meaning from the perspective of the government regulating Net Neutrality. I would not like that either, but I still think there are perks to being monitored. I think our freedom being stripped away is a horrible idea, but sometimes if we think we are being supervised we tend to be more careful.
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I personally think that the only way to maintain net neutrality is by forming a central leadership to make sure. Right now Comcast regulates content to a small extent. It would take an agency that actually works "for the people".
ReplyDelete