Net Neutrality legislation also ensured that ISPs wouldn't be able to block specific websites from their users. Their abolition means that anybody speaking out against Bell or Rogers online can (and certainly will) have their website blocked. In that last post I wrote about the Internet, I said that "no great crime can be hidden." That may not be true for too much longer. If you write something on the Web condemning say, child labour used by a major corporation, that corporation could very easily pay ISPs to have your site traffic slowed down, or even blocked entirely.
Without Net Neutrality safeguards in place, the Internet will cease being the place it is now, the place where anybody can express their opinion or share information without the fear of being prosecuted for it. The Web will simply stop being an even playing field for all members of our society. That's why we need to act now. If we can't repair the damage immediately, we'll never be able to reclaim the Internet. This has already started. Netflix has struck a deal with Comcast, and it's not the only one. We need to nip this in the bud. The Internet should be a place where we can all learn, where we can all express ourselves. Now that that freedom is endangered, we need to protect it.
If you live in Canada, like I do, I have good news. Net Neutrality is still enforced here, but it could be only a matter of time. Write to your Member of Parliament, raise awareness. It's our responsibility to protect our freedom while we still have it. As for readers in the States, I wish you the absolute best of luck, as Net Neutrality is not being imposed. Contact your Congressperson, and whoever else you can, and express your concerns. I urge you to keep the Internet a place of equality, open for all.
Please share your thoughts and ideas in the comments, and check out the videos about Net Neutrality below.
