I mean, I'm sort of going to assume you do too, otherwise you wouldn't be reading this. But the point is that you have the option to read this. The Internet allows its users the access to an almost infinite number of possibilities for information in any number of mediums.
From cat videos to the latest scientific discoveries, from flash games to experimental creations on the other side of the globe, from connecting with friends to connecting with idols - the Internet offers a lot of inspiration and innovations.
The Internet has grown from a simple means of communication and file sharing for government operatives, to an organic fair use space for all who can access it.
And it would really suck if it were to just...stop.
More and more, governments are seeking to control the Internet, with geographic firewalls, restricted access, and forced shut down of websites. This is happening already, but where governments are lacking is the understanding that the Internet is global. It is beyond boarders and try as they might, it's near impossible to stop the transfer of information.
And so a new tactic must be taken, if the Internet can't be governed, can it be bought? You may have noticed that earlier this year, your Netflix started being a whole lot slower - that's not a coincidence. Comcast told Netflix it had to pay more to continue having fast bandwidth, creating a two-tiered system. This idea is sparking across various Internet Provider Services and is heading towards the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Watch this video by Youtuber Hank Green to help breakdown what this all means:
Now, for those of us outside of the United States, may be thinking "But that's not our problem, we're not regulated by the FCC."
True, but remember: The Internet is not limited by boarders. And while that has worked in our favour in the past, it's now going to be used against us. A lot of the media we consume comes from the States and we will be suffering the same problems.
Net Neutrality is a concern for everyone - online companies and users alike will suffer from the removal of a level playing field.
Back in June, host John Oliver explained how vast and direly important this threat is for all of us:
He summed it up quite nicely:
"If you want to do something evil, put it inside something boring"
It's easy to turn a blind eye when something doesn't seem to be effecting you directly, but if you ignore this and then start noticing the spinning wheel of death at every turn and wonder why your favourite cat video won't load, complaining won't help.
So what CAN we do?
Do what the Internet does best: spread knowledge.
Share this information with your friends, sign petitions and stand up for the fight for the Internet.
Today, September 10th, is The Internet Slowdown - where online companies and users show solidarity for Net Neutrality.
Learn more, sign petitions, and get involved at the following links:
https://www.battleforthenet.com/sept10th/
https://www.battleforthenet.com/
https://www.tumblr.com/stop
http://www.videocreatorsfornetneutrality.org/
http://www.savetheinternet.com/sti-home
https://www.publicknowledge.org/
Don't let the Internet become one giant spinning wheel of death.
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