I’m not sure if you’ve heard of net neutrality since the last time it made headlines on CNN back in 2010, but it’s back. It’s likely you’ve seen pictures of protesters and angry congressmen on the news. What is net neutrality and why should you care? Here’s the skinny in plain English:
What is it?
Net neutrality is the idea that the web is open to everyone, meaning that internet service providers can’t block content or intentionally slow down load times for particular websites. The principle, which was initially approved by the FCC in 2010, essentially states that web access is a human right that should be available for all.
ISPs like Comcast, Verizon and AT&T could make a substantial profit by charging users to access certain websites or by charging extra for “fast lanes” that allow internet companies willing to pay to bypass slower bandwidth.
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, a Republican appointee of President Donald Trump, is actively seeking to repeal the current rules in place that protect net neutrality. In May, the FCC voted to repeal net neutrality guidelines. The decision will require another vote later this year, but the general consensus is that the future of net neutrality is not looking good – at all.
From a cyber security perspective, if net neutrality becomes a reality, internet providers would record and be responsible for protecting your personal information and internet usage on a minute-by-minute basis. What if any of this data was compromised? That would be a big problem.
Do you want to do something about this? There’s a quick 10-second form you can fill out at www.battleforthenet.com that will send a pre-made letter to Congress and the FCC stating your opposition to net neutrality. The internet is already a fearsome place, let’s not make even more scary.
Practice good IT hygiene and don’t be a victim of cybertosis!