EOTO Blog #2

• Beyond a simple definition, what are the implications? What might be good, what might be bad?
•  According to the FCC, “Net Neutrality policies are a national standard by which we ensure that broadband internet service is treated as an essential service. It prohibits internet service providers from blocking, throttling, or engaging in paid prioritization of lawful content”

• Good:
•  Net Neutrality prohibits ISPs from charging more depending on what websites you go on
•  Forces all internet traffic to be treated the same

• Bad:
•  Removes the chance for ISPs to provide tiered plans
•  All internet traffic allows for bad actors to get the same bandwidth 

• How might it affect society as a whole? How might it affect different segments differently — rich/poor, old/young, male/female, gay/straight, majority/minority?
•  The entire point of Net Neutrality is to ensure everyone on the internet, regardless of their identity, is treated equally by ISPs. It ensures that minorities have equal access to educational sources, employment opportunities, healthcare resources, and government services. This is particularly important for undeserved communities where access to physical resources may be limited. It is also massively important as it allows minority groups to use social media, blogs, and other platforms to share their stories, advocate for their rights, and organize movements without interference or throttling. Movements like BLM heavily relied on the internet for support, which allowed them to get their word out to the public and to be heard by everyone. (https://www.freepress.net/news/mentions/black-lives-matter-hill-net-neutrality-matters)

It also provides minorities with tools to challenge discriminatory practices, report injustices, and access legal support. Net Neutrality will level the playing field for minority entrepreneurs, allowing them to launch businesses and compete with larger corporations without needing to pay for premium internet speeds. It will also ensure that minority students have equal access to online learning tools, coding bootcamps, and skill-building platforms. Safeguards will also be put against ISPs blocking or throttling content that highlights minority issues or challenges existing power structures. Finally, it helps narrow the digital divide by ensuring fair access to high-speed internet for everyone, regardless of income or location. (https://www.benton.org/headlines/net-neutrality-what-it-means-your-everyday-internet-access-and-streaming-speeds)