December 14, 2017. This is the day where free speech will be challenge. In the age of the internet and political battles, Net Neutrality has been what allows any individual to view any form of media. Why is this idea suddenly up for debate? Possibly struck down? Well, Trump’s Federal Communications Commission Chairman, Ajit Pai, put his plan to end neutrality in May.
Pai claims the goal to end the micro-management of Internet service by the government. “The FCC would simply require internet service providers to be transparent about their practices so that consumers can buy the service plan that’s best for them and entrepreneurs and other small businesses can have the technical information they need to innovate,” Pai said on November 21st.
However there raises fear by companies who provide social media and news. Jay Stanley, senior policy analyst with American Civil Liberties Union released a statement: “gutting net neutrality will have a devastating effect on free speech online. Without it, gateway corporations like Comcast Verizon, and AT&T will have too much power to mess with the free flow of information.”
The ending would allow them to cut access from certain sites if the company stands for. They also could gouge their customers by making access to certain sites within varied packages. One could have to pay for social media and news or choose between the two. In a world so relying on being plugged in, this is a blatant taking advantage of those who now cannot live without the Internet.
Millions of people have spoken against it, yet it is ignored by the government as they wish to advance with the issue.
Here shows an example that not every leader has the people of the democracy in mind. Still people speak out against this injustice. Yes, it is an injustice This does not come from an addiction to being plugged in, but the fearful awareness that everything one does, even an education, is reliant on the source of Internet.
