LETTER People don’t appreciate net neutrality
Isn’t it wonderful that we are granted free access to any website on the Internet? This is because of net neutrality.
Net neutrality is the principle that Internet providers like Comcast and Verizon should not control what we see and do online. It solely preserves our right to communicate freely online. The Federal Communications Commission adopted strong net neutrality rules based on Title II of the Communications Act, giving people strong protection when using the Internet. These rules prohibit Internet providers from blocking, spying on and charging their customers for the websites they visit. Title II allows people to share and access the information of their choosing without complications.
However, President Trump’s FCC chairman, Ajit Pai, a former Verizon lawyer, is introducing a plan that will give complete control of the Internet to big companies. If this is approved, then the Internet will become a closed-down network where phone companies, such as AT&T, Comcast and Verizon, make the decisions on where you will go on the Internet and whether you will have to pay extra just to visit a website. They will be able to block websites and content they do not approve of as well.
The FCC will vote on Pai’s proposal Dec. 14. We should not take net neutrality for granted.
Alicia M. Bonus
Washington