Net neutrality in danger

Emma Clifton

There are less than 48 hours until the vote to kill Net Neutrality, but many people still wonder what net neutrality actually is.

Net neutrality is the principle that Internet service providers must treat all data on the Internet the same, and not discriminate or charge differently by user, content, website, platform, application, type of attached equipment, or method of communication.

For instance, under these principles, internet service providers are unable to intentionally block, slow down or charge money for specific websites and online content.

If Net Neutrality is ended, individual service providers like AT&T, NineStar or Brighthouse will be able to charge people extra fees to access social media or use streaming services like Netflix or Hulu. In addition, service providers would be able to completely block access to certain websites or services, making it impossible for their customers to access those websites or services, even if they are willing to pay additional fees.

Contact your Senators through phone or text (@ 50409) to stop the repeal.

For additional information, including ways to directly email or call senators and representatives, click here or here. You can also go here to send comments directly to the FCC. Once on the website, click the Express link and you can leave comments about the need for net neutrality directly with the FCC.