Why Net Neutrality Matters: A Commentary on the Importance of Internet Freedom

Chris Snow Insights
Mar 8, 2025
3 min read

The internet has become an indispensable part of our daily lives, and its impact on modern society cannot be overstated. However, the freedom and openness that have made the internet such a powerful tool are under threat. The concept of net neutrality, which ensures that internet service providers (ISPs) treat all online content equally, is facing significant challenges. In this blog, we will explore why net neutrality matters and why it is essential to preserve internet freedom.

What is Net Neutrality?

Net neutrality is the principle that ISPs should not discriminate against or charge differently for specific types of online content. This means that ISPs should not block, slow down, or speed up access to particular websites or services. Net neutrality ensures that the internet remains a level playing field, where all online content is treated equally.

Why is Net Neutrality Important?

Net neutrality is crucial for several reasons:

1. Promotes Innovation: Net neutrality allows startups and small businesses to compete with larger corporations on an equal footing. Without net neutrality, ISPs could charge extra fees to prioritize certain content, making it difficult for new entrants to innovate and reach their target audience.

2. Protects Free Speech: Net neutrality ensures that ISPs do not censor or block access to certain websites or services. This protects free speech and allows citizens to access information and express their opinions without fear of retribution.

3. Preserves Consumer Choice: Net neutrality prevents ISPs from dictating what content consumers can access. Without net neutrality, ISPs could limit access to certain websites or services, reducing consumer choice and freedom.

4. Supports Economic Growth: Net neutrality is essential for economic growth, as it allows businesses to reach their target audience and compete with larger corporations.

Threats to Net Neutrality

Despite its importance, net neutrality is facing significant challenges. Some of the key threats to net neutrality include:

1. Repeal of Net Neutrality Rules: In 2017, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) repealed the net neutrality rules, which had been in place since 2015. This repeal has allowed ISPs to discriminate against certain types of online content.

2. Paid Prioritization: Paid prioritization allows ISPs to charge extra fees to prioritize certain content. This creates a two-tiered internet, where those who can afford to pay for prioritization have an unfair advantage over those who cannot.

3. Zero-Rating: Zero-rating allows ISPs to exempt certain content from data caps. This creates an unfair advantage for certain services and can limit consumer choice.

What Can You Do to Support Net Neutrality?

There are several ways you can support net neutrality:

1. Contact Your Representatives: Contact your representatives and express your support for net neutrality. Encourage them to pass legislation that protects net neutrality.

2. Participate in Public Consultations: Participate in public consultations and express your views on net neutrality. This helps to ensure that your voice is heard and that policymakers understand the importance of net neutrality.

3. Support Net Neutrality Advocacy Groups: Support net neutrality advocacy groups, such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and Public Knowledge. These groups work tirelessly to promote net neutrality and protect internet freedom.

4. Stay Informed: Stay informed about net neutrality issues and developments. Follow reputable sources, such as The Verge and Ars Technica, to stay up-to-date on the latest news and analysis.

Conclusion

Net neutrality is essential for preserving internet freedom and promoting innovation, free speech, and consumer choice. Despite its importance, net neutrality is facing significant challenges, including the repeal of net neutrality rules and the threat of paid prioritization and zero-rating. By supporting net neutrality advocacy groups, participating in public consultations, and staying informed, you can help to protect net neutrality and preserve internet freedom.