Net neutrality has been hitting the headlines, and for good reason. The principle of net neutrality has the potential to shape not only our experience of the internet but also the way we consume information and even what information we are able to access.
The concept that internet service providers should treat all data equally, has massive implications for businesses, individuals and society as a whole.
In this article we will explore net neutrality, if it's gone and how net neutrality affects everyday internet users.
What is Net Neutrality?
Net neutrality is a principle that means internet service providers should have to treat all data across the web equally. This is regardless of source or the content of the page.
The principle of net neutrality means that different websites or types of traffic cannot be blocked, throttled or charged different rates.
Blocking traffic would prevent users from accessing specific websites or services. Throttling traffic means slowing down access times from certain sources or to specific websites and charging different rates shows a system of unfair prioritisation.
Is Net Neutrality Gone?
Net neutrality has been in long term contention in the United States however, net neutrality is gone, at least at the federal level.
Although some states have implemented their own forms of protections, such as by prohibiting blocking, throttling, and paid prioritization, there is no federal law that protects net neutrality.
During the 2024 Biden administration, net neutrality rules were reinstated in an attempt to restore the principles of open internet access.
Initially the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to restore net neutrality rules in April 2024.
However the administration was ultimately unsuccessful. A federal appeals court repealed the reinstated rules. The court claimed that the FCC lacked the legal authority to regulate ISPs as public utilities
Why is Net Neutrality Important?
Net neutrality is important because it creates a level playing field as the basis of internet usage.
Without net neutrality, organisations and individuals with money can pay to prioritise their own interests. This increases monopolies not only on consumer products but also ideas.
Net neutrality helps to ensure that everyone has equal access to information and differing viewpoints online. Internet service providers can block or slow down access to content that they disagree with or are paid to deprioritize.
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When platform owners like Elon Musk wield significant influence and publicly declare political alliances, there's a risk of information manipulation. This can be achieved through biased algorithms, censorship, and the promotion of misinformation.
This creates echo chambers, limits exposure to diverse perspectives, and erodes public trust in the information they consume. To counter this, a free and open internet is more critical than ever to maintain democracy and ensure citizens can access diverse sources of information.
When Was Net Neutrality Repealed?
Net neutrality was initially repealed in 2017, under the Trump administration.
Though there was an attempt by the Biden administration to reinstate net neutrality laws in 2024, ultimately this was struck down through a federal appeals court.
As of 2nd January 2025, net neutrality laws were officially struck down by the Sixth Circuit.
How Does Net Neutrality Affect Everyday Internet Users?
Net neutrality directly affects all internet users. Without net neutrality the internet becomes a fundamentally less open and equitable space. This is worrying as it is the dominant information source for most
Internet service providers can prioritize traffic from certain companies, potentially slowing down or blocking access to competitor websites.
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Large corporations and political parties with financial backing are able to gain an unfair advance over smaller, newer companies or political parties with smaller pockets.
