https://www.reuters.com/technology/fcc-vote-restore-net-neutrality-rules-reversing-trump-2024-04-02/

If any one of you could answer these questions for my school project which will be included in my paper about net neutrality. I appreciate your time for reading and answering my questions. If you would like to be anonymous please say so and I will not mention your name.

Awareness and Understanding:

1. On a scale from 1 to 5, how would you rate your awareness of the concept of net neutrality?
2. Can you briefly explain what net neutrality means to you in your own words?

Importance and Impact:

1. How important do you believe net neutrality is for the continued openness and fairness of the internet? (Scale: Not important at all to Extremely important)
2. In your opinion, how might the absence of net neutrality affect your online experience?

Regulatory Perspectives:

1. Do you think there should be government regulations to enforce net neutrality, or do you believe the market should determine how internet service providers manage their networks?
2. Are you aware of the current net neutrality regulations in your country, and do you think they are effective?

Internet Service Provider Practices:

1. Have you ever experienced any form of internet service discrimination or preferential treatment by your internet service provider?
2. Should internet service providers be allowed to offer different levels of service quality or speed for different types of content?

Economic Considerations:

1. How do you think net neutrality (or the lack thereof) might impact the pricing of internet services for consumers?
2. Do you believe net neutrality is essential for fostering a competitive environment among internet service providers?

Innovation and Content Diversity:

1. To what extent do you think net neutrality is crucial for promoting innovation and the development of new online services?
2. Do you believe that without net neutrality, certain types of content or websites could be given preferential treatment, impacting the diversity of information available online?

Global Perspectives:

1. Should net neutrality principles be standardized globally, or do you think different regions should have the flexibility to establish their own rules?
2. How might differences in net neutrality regulations between countries impact the global accessibility and exchange of information?

Future Technologies:

1. How do you think emerging technologies like 5G, edge computing, and artificial intelligence might intersect with net neutrality principles?
2. Should net neutrality regulations evolve to address the challenges posed by these emerging technologies?

If any one of you could answer these questions for my school project which will be included in my paper about net neutrality. I appreciate your time for reading and answering my questions. If you would like to be anonymous please say so and I will not mention your name.

​

Awareness and Understanding:

1. On a scale from 1 to 5, how would you rate your awareness of the concept of net neutrality?
2. Can you briefly explain what net neutrality means to you in your own words?

Importance and Impact:

1. How important do you believe net neutrality is for the continued openness and fairness of the internet? (Scale: Not important at all to Extremely important)
2. In your opinion, how might the absence of net neutrality affect your online experience?

Regulatory Perspectives:

1. Do you think there should be government regulations to enforce net neutrality, or do you believe the market should determine how internet service providers manage their networks?
2. Are you aware of the current net neutrality regulations in your country, and do you think they are effective?

Internet Service Provider Practices:

1. Have you ever experienced any form of internet service discrimination or preferential treatment by your internet service provider?
2. Should internet service providers be allowed to offer different levels of service quality or speed for different types of content?

Economic Considerations:

1. How do you think net neutrality (or the lack thereof) might impact the pricing of internet services for consumers?
2. Do you believe net neutrality is essential for fostering a competitive environment among internet service providers?

Innovation and Content Diversity:

1. To what extent do you think net neutrality is crucial for promoting innovation and the development of new online services?
2. Do you believe that without net neutrality, certain types of content or websites could be given preferential treatment, impacting the diversity of information available online?

Global Perspectives:

1. Should net neutrality principles be standardized globally, or do you think different regions should have the flexibility to establish their own rules?
2. How might differences in net neutrality regulations between countries impact the global accessibility and exchange of information?

Future Technologies:

1. How do you think emerging technologies like 5G, edge computing, and artificial intelligence might intersect with net neutrality principles?
2. Should net neutrality regulations evolve to address the challenges posed by these emerging technologies?

The Crucial Role of Net Neutrality in Ensuring an Open Internet

The internet has become an integral part of our daily lives, revolutionizing the way we communicate, access information, and conduct business. However, the question of how it should be regulated to ensure fairness, freedom, and accessibility for all users remains a hotly debated topic. Net neutrality, the principle that all internet traffic should be treated equally without discrimination, has emerged as a fundamental concept in this ongoing discussion. In this article, we will explore the many benefits of net neutrality and why it is considered a necessary practice for maintaining an open and inclusive internet.

1. Equal Access for All

One of the core tenets of net neutrality is the idea that all online content and services should be treated equally. This means that whether you are a small startup, a non-profit organization, or a large corporation, you have the same chance to reach your audience on the internet. Net neutrality levels the playing field, promoting competition, innovation, and economic growth. It prevents ISPs from playing favorites and ensures that users can access the content and services of their choice without artificial barriers.

2. Protection for Consumers

Net neutrality safeguards consumers from unfair practices that can negatively impact their online experience. Without net neutrality, ISPs could engage in practices like throttling, where they intentionally slow down or restrict access to certain websites or services. This can lead to frustratingly slow internet speeds and a poor user experience. Net neutrality ensures that consumers get the internet service they pay for without interference or limitations.

3. Preserving Freedom of Speech

The internet has become a powerful platform for free speech and expression. Net neutrality plays a vital role in preserving this freedom by preventing ISPs from censoring or blocking content they disagree with. It ensures that the internet remains a space where diverse voices and opinions can thrive. Without net neutrality, there is a risk that ISPs could exert control over what content is accessible, stifling open discourse and the exchange of ideas.

4. Public Interest and Infrastructure

Advocates argue that the internet has evolved into critical infrastructure, similar to electricity or water. Net neutrality regulations help ensure that it serves the public's best interest, rather than purely being driven by profit motives. These regulations also encourage ISPs to invest in the expansion and improvement of broadband infrastructure to meet the growing demands of users. A well-maintained and accessible internet benefits society as a whole by facilitating education, healthcare, and economic development.

5. Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Net neutrality fosters an environment where startups and small businesses can compete on a level playing field with established corporations. Without discrimination or preferential treatment, entrepreneurs have the opportunity to create and launch innovative online services and products. This fosters a culture of entrepreneurship, driving economic growth and job creation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, net neutrality is a critical principle for ensuring that the internet remains open, accessible, and fair for everyone. It promotes competition, protects consumers, preserves freedom of speech, and serves the public interest. While there are arguments against net neutrality, including concerns about stifling ISP innovation, the benefits of a free and open internet far outweigh these potential drawbacks. Net neutrality is a practice that empowers individuals and businesses, fosters innovation, and upholds the principles of a democratic and inclusive online world.

As the internet continues to evolve, the importance of preserving net neutrality cannot be overstated. It is not just a matter of convenience but a fundamental aspect of modern society and democracy, where the flow of information and ideas should remain unrestricted and equally accessible to all. Net neutrality is, therefore, a cornerstone in the ongoing effort to create a digital world that truly serves the needs and aspirations of its users.

I recall reading somewhere that telecommunications companies will have more power later down the road. When net neutrality was trending on the internet around 2017 i read that they wouldn’t be able to immediately introduce slow lanes but the deal said that they could about 8 years or so later down the road.

Does anyone remember what im referring to and how long exactly the telecommunications companies have to wait?

I found this to be a sneaky move. It was as if they didnt want to create slow lanes while “net neutrality” was trending but were given permission to do it later.

Capitalism fails here because no other startup can catch up to companies that have such a large infrastructure. That means theres no balance and will result in price gouging. Normally when companies price gouge, people move to the next best company. but how can it balance out if no one can match the telecommunications infrastructure?

Why did Trump allow net neutrality to die? The middle class need money too! Not only the CEO’s.

Hello everyone, I am from China. In 2019, I was sentenced to three and a half years in prison for providing VPN services (to access foreign websites). The charge was "providing hacker tools". I have just been released from jail, and I want to tell you that many people in China are currently being sentenced for this. There is no freedom in China.

According to the nomination form:

"In honor of our 25th anniversary, we're looking for tomorrow’s visionaries and game-changers shaping the future of the internet. We’re looking for the people making a difference in your local or online communities, the people that keep you signing on, the people who will be household names a decade from now, not the people everyone is already talking about."

I really think we should nominate some folks in this community - who? Finalists get flown to Berlin and honored at the in-person award ceremony.

Twelve years now, my DSL ISP, GoNetSpeed, refuses to address the persistent issue I've had where my internet will drop out anytime there is lightning within 10 miles west of my home. This issue is also affecting my neighbor down the road. I have had countless techs out. Countless trouble tickets. They practically refuse to fix it.

What can be done to hold them accountable for this issue? At this point I've even considered suing them in court over the issue.

I'm writing to discuss the recent/actual blackout of the Internet in Algeria and seek the expertise of this community to understand how certain websites can still be blocked even when using a VPN. Additionally, I'm curious about the selective blocking of specific ports and the peculiar availability of certain services during the blackout.

During the blackout, I've noticed that while some websites are accessible without a VPN, others can't be accessed even when using a VPN. For instance, YouTube becomes accessible with/without a VPN after 6 pm, but websites like Pr0nHub, which have historically been blocked in Algeria, remain inaccessible. I find this behavior intriguing and would like to know the technical reasons behind it.

Another aspect that I've observed is the blocking of ports other than 443, such as SSH, which does not function during the blackout. Furthermore, it's worth noting that during the daytime, the ban on Internet access affects all services, not just social media platforms. No VPN connections seem to work, including OpenVPN and WireGuard. However, surprisingly, Discord has remained accessible all daylong, without the need for a VPN. I'm curious to understand the underlying reasons for this exception and how it is possible for Discord to be available while other services are blocked.

I believe this community has a wealth of knowledge on networking and internet censorship, and I would greatly appreciate any insights you can provide on these matters. Thank you in advance for your expertise and contributions.

This hasn't been talked about forever, rip net neutrality.

This isn't directly related but I hope it's okay to post it here because I still think it's relevant:

Online safety is important, and we all want the internet to be a safe place for everyone to use. However, the UK government's proposed Online Safety Bill is not the way to achieve this. Here's why:

1. Building a Backdoor into Encryption: The bill requires online platforms to build a backdoor into their encryption, which is essentially a secret method of bypassing the encryption and accessing our personal data. This would undermine our right to privacy and put our personal data at risk, as it could be accessed by hackers, government agencies, and other malicious actors. It is important to note that a backdoor is essentially the same as no encryption, as it provides an open door for unauthorized access.
2. The Impact on Businesses: The cost of compliance with the bill will be high, and many startups and small businesses may not be able to afford to operate in the UK, leading to a loss of innovation in the country.
3. Affects on Freedom of Speech: The bill gives the government the power to censor online content it deems harmful, but the vague language could result in the suppression of legitimate speech online. This could have a chilling effect on online discourse and infringe our freedom of expression.
4. The Threat to Our Right to Protest: Combined with recent changes to the policing laws, the Online Safety Bill has the potential to limit our freedom of expression and right to protest. The proposed restrictions on protests may make it harder for people to challenge the status quo and hold those in power to account, which would be a worrying development for civil liberties in the UK.

We all want to feel safe online, but the proposed Online Safety Bill is not the way to achieve this. It could have serious implications for our online freedom and privacy, as well as our ability to express ourselves freely and challenge those in power. There are better ways to achieve online safety that don't infringe on our fundamental rights, and we should be exploring these alternatives instead. In conclusion, let's stand up for our rights and oppose the Online Safety Bill to ensure that our online spaces remain open, free, and private, while still being safe for everyone to use.

But what can I do?

Not a lot, unfortunately, but if you're in the UK, you can email your local MP and members of the house of lords to express your concern, and there isn't long left to do it.

Here's a link to find your local MPs contact info: https://members.parliament.uk/members/commons

And, as the bill has passed the house of commons and is now being discussed in the house of lords, here's a link to the communications and digital services committee members, where you can find their contact info: https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/170/communications-and-digital-committee/membership/

I have a template you can use to email them here:

Subject:

Concerns About the Online Safety Bill 

Body:

Dear [MP/House of Lords Member's Name],

I am writing to express my concerns about the proposed Online Safety Bill and its potential impact on our online freedoms and privacy. While I understand the importance of online safety, I believe that the proposed legislation is not the right approach to achieve this.

The Online Safety Bill requires online platforms to build a backdoor into their encryption, which would undermine our right to privacy and put our personal data at risk. This backdoor could be exploited by malicious actors, including hackers and foreign governments, who could use it to steal personal information, launch cyber attacks, or conduct surveillance. Furthermore, building a backdoor into encryption is effectively the same as removing encryption altogether, as it weakens the security measures that protect our data and communications.

Additionally, the vague language of the Online Safety Bill could result in the suppression of legitimate speech online, infringing on our freedom of expression. The bill places a duty of care on online platforms to remove harmful content, but the definition of what constitutes harmful content is broad and unclear. This could result in online platforms overzealously removing content that is legal and socially valuable, including political speech, satire, and artistic expression. The proposed legislation risks silencing important voices and stifling debate, ultimately weakening our democracy.

Furthermore, the cost of compliance with the Online Safety Bill could make it difficult for startups and small businesses to operate in the UK, leading to a loss of innovation in the country. The bill places a heavy burden on online platforms to monitor and remove harmful content, which requires significant financial resources and expertise. This could make it harder for smaller companies to compete with larger firms, who may have more resources to comply with the regulations. As a result, the Online Safety Bill could stifle innovation and harm the UK's economy.

I urge you to reconsider the proposed Online Safety Bill and explore alternatives to achieve online safety that don't infringe on our fundamental rights. There are better ways to achieve online safety, such as investing in digital literacy programs, supporting online moderation efforts, and improving cybersecurity measures. I believe that with careful consideration and collaboration, we can create policies that protect online safety while upholding our fundamental rights and values.

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Remember that personalizing your message can make it more effective, but every email counts!

Xfinity changed their gouging prices. Wanna see?

800Mpbs = $106. What I have now. Was $75.

75Mbps = $75.

So... I have zero options to lower my bill except go 8x slower? AT THE SAME PRICE I WAS AT?

So, what's a good way to get the word out about these jagg-offs?

I recently switched to Google Fiber for my internet service. For the past 7 years, I've had ATT or Spectrum, depending on the year. My speeds with these services have ranged from 250Mb at the beginning to Gigabit the next couple years and 2.5gig (up and down) from ATT just before I switched to Google Fiber (same location). It's also important to note that I've had YouTube TV service for this entire time.

Here's where it gets crazy (well not really, expected is probably the better word). Before Google Fiber, my Vizio TVs would lag and freeze on the YouTube TV app. This became a problem with daily freezes and constant "spinning / loading" so I bought Chromecasts (blaming my cheaper TVs), then later Google TV devices for all my Vizos that were lagging or freezing on the YTTV app (total of 4 TVs). This helped but the service still had lags and was slow. At the time, I just thought this was "how it was" and didn't really think much of it. When I started upgrading TVs, I've bought Sony instead of Vizio. This helped a little because the Sony's have Google TV built-in, but not much. I still experienced what I now to be serious lags even with my 2.5g x 2.5g ATT connection.

Enter Google Fiber (2g down 1g up). I haven't had a single lag, glitch or freeze in 4 months. NOT A SINGLE ONE. All my old Vizio TVs (save 1 that is in storage) are installed and working perfectly with the native YTTV app... NOT A SINGLE ISSUE.

I know, no one is surprised, but I wanted to share this to answer the following question: Has anyone else has had a similar experience?

Whenever I see photos and updates of what they're building on https://twitter.com/AltheaNetwork I keep thinking "why aren't more people doing this?". I don't think they do a great job of explaining to laymen what they do and how they do it, the website reads like it was written by a tech person for tech people, but at the heart of it it's software that users can run, and communities of people installing hardware so that everyone can have internet everywhere and the community can pay its expenses via charging for access (although I also read it has a free tier and some of their installations are funded by grants).