1. what is network neutrality?

Why has the internet operated under net neutrality up

to this point in time.
Network neutrality, also known as net neutrality, is the principle that all internet traffic
should be treated equally by internet service providers (ISPs). In other words, it ensures
that ISPs do not discriminate or prioritize certain types of content, applications, or
websites.
 Promote fair competition and maintain a level playing field- Net neutrality
prevents ISPs from giving preferential treatment to certain websites or services,
which ensures that smaller businesses and startups have the same opportunities as
larger, more established companies.
 Preserving consumer choice and preventing ISP control over what content users
can access. Without net neutrality, ISPs could potentially block or slow down
certain websites or services that do not align with their own interests or business
partnerships. This would limit user options and hinder the free flow of
information.
 Expression and access to information. It ensures that internet users can freely
access any website or content without any interference from ISPs. This principle
upholds the idea that the internet should remain an open and democratic platform,
accessible to all.
2. Who’s in favor of net neutrality? Who’s opposed? Why?

There are several groups who support net neutrality. These groups include Christian
Coalition of America, American Civil Liberties Union, Gun Owners of America, The
American Library Association, Google Inc. and Amazon (Hart, 2011). There are many
individual bloggers who support net neutrality. There are some American Senators who
also support internet neutrality. The point made by those who support internet neutrality
is that if the companies who provide internet services are given the power to discriminate
between its different customers and control access to some content on the internet, they
will easily be able to enforce censorship. Being able to avoid internet neutrality, small
business might not be able to offer speedy download service to their customers as
compared to bigger businesses who can pay huge amount for it.

The biggest opponents of internet neutrality are the internet service providers. They argue
that they should be able to charge their customers just like electricity and gas utilities
companies do, i.e. metered pricing. They want their customers to pay for the amount of
bandwidth they consume with the content they use. Some of these companies argue that
illegal file sharing of copyrighted online content consume as much as 50% of the content
bandwidth. They want to be in control of differential prices for different customers. Rob
Hahn who is the co-inventor on the Internet Protocol is also an opponent of net neutrality
as he believes that it “removes incentives for network providers to innovate”.
3. What would be the impact on individual users, businesses, and government if
Internet providers switched to a tiered service model?
Companies who own internet networks argue that the laws and regulations that enforce
net neutrality is having a negative impact on the competitiveness of the US economy as it
limits the innovation that can be guaranteed by discriminatory network practices. These
companies are the ones who are the most beneficial of the non-neutrality of net. These
companies can increase their profits by increasing costs for high bandwidth network
users. These companies argue that they would utilize this extra profit to innovate and
make advancements in the telecommunication sector. They believe that they can design
the future of the massive internet traffic handling but one of the factor that is stopping
them from doing so is the financial pressure caused by the low profit margins due to net
neutrality.

Those who advocate net neutrality argue that it is this neutrality that has allowed an equal
opportunity to everyone to innovate. Increased prices of internet due to non-equality will
limit the innovation capacity of those who benefit from its equality. Small businesses also
believe that they won’t be able to compete with the “big fishes” if the net neutrality is
replaced with tired service model.
4. Are you in favor of legislation enforcing network neutrality? Why or why not?
As a student, I have my own perspective on the matter of network neutrality legislation.
Personally, I am in favor of legislation that enforces network neutrality.

Network neutrality refers to the principle that all internet traffic should be treated equally,
without any discrimination or prioritization based on the source, content, or destination.
This means that internet service providers (ISPs) should not have the power to
manipulate or control our online experiences by altering the speed, accessibility, or
availability of certain websites or services.

There are a few reasons why I support legislation enforcing network neutrality. Firstly, it
promotes fair competition and innovation. Without net neutrality, ISPs could potentially
create fast and slow lanes on the internet, allowing certain companies or services with
deep pockets to pay for better access, while smaller businesses or startups struggle to
compete on an uneven playing field. This could stifle creativity and limit the growth of
new ideas and services, ultimately harming consumers.

Secondly, network neutrality preserves free speech and access to information. The
internet has become a crucial platform for sharing ideas, expressing opinions, and
accessing a wide range of knowledge and resources. If ISPs were allowed to throttle or
block certain websites or content, it could mean that some voices or viewpoints are
suppressed, undermining the principles of democracy and freedom of expression.

Lastly, enforcing network neutrality ensures an open and inclusive internet for all users.
Whether we are browsing social media, streaming movies, or conducting research, we
should not be subjected to arbitrary restrictions or biased treatment from ISPs. Net
neutrality guarantees that all users, regardless of their socioeconomic status or
geographical location, have equal access to the vast expanse of information and
opportunities the internet offers.

On the other hand, some argue that government regulation in the form of network
neutrality legislation may impede ISPs' ability to invest in network infrastructure and
improve internet speeds. They claim that ISPs should have the freedom to manage their
networks as they see fit in order to provide better services. However, I believe that ISPs
can still thrive and develop their networks without resorting to discriminatory practices
that compromise the principles of an open internet.

In conclusion, I am in favor of legislation enforcing network neutrality because it ensures

fair competition, safeguards free speech, and promotes an open internet for everyone. The
internet is a powerful tool that should remain accessible and equal to all, regardless of
who we are or what we believe, and network neutrality legislation plays a vital role in
preserving these principles.

REFERENCES
Steve Jobs 2017, courseBB, accessed 29 October 2023,
[Link]
of-information-management/