If the media explained exactly what the Obama era net neutrality actually did, what all the actual cons to it are, it wouldn’t poll so well. Net Neutrality sounds so positive, right? Regardless, we didn’t need it before 2015, and we do not need it now
(The Hill) The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is moving forward with a plan to scrap net neutrality rules, defying a massive outcry from activists, Democrats and consumers.
On Thursday, the FCC is expected to approve Chairman Ajit Pai’s proposal to repeal rules that require internet service providers to treat all web traffic equally. The measure is expected to pass 3-2, with all the Republican appointees supporting repeal and all the Democratic appointees opposing.
Polls on the topic vary, but a recent Morning Consult/Politico survey found that 52 percent of voters support the rules that are in place, including 53 percent of Republicans and 55 percent of Democrats. Overall disapproval of the rules sits at 18 percent.
Pai and the other FCC Republicans defend ending the rules, saying there is little danger that broadband providers will slow down or censor internet content if they aren’t in place. The regulations are too onerous, they say, and hurt the industry’s ability to innovate and tailor their services to consumers.
In fact, with the NN rules in place, there is a lot of censorship going on right now. I do not use it, but someone was explaining how all sorts of apps and providers disappear all the time for those who use Kodi to stream movies, tv show, and live content. They said that around a week or two ago, when they looked to watch a show, where they were usually 20+ streams, there are now less than 10, and they’re lucky if just one works. It’s understandable, because the stuff is pirated, but, ISPs are shutting down the streams.
“I think what net neutrality repealed would actually mean is we once again have a free and open internet,†Pai said on Tucker Carlson’s Fox News show Monday night. “The government would not be regulating how anyone in the internet service providers, how anyone else in the internet economy manages their networks.â€
It’s a bad idea to treat the Internet like it’s the phone company using 1930’s rules.
Democrats, major internet firms and tech startups see things very differently.
They say the net neutrality rules are essential for preserving an open internet. Without them, they warn, web companies will no longer compete on a level playing field.
When Democrats start talking about freedom, run, because their version of freedom always involves massive amounts of government.
Crossed at Right Wing News.
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