Net Neutrality is all about users should have unlimited access to the internet without any discrimination or preference being shown for any particular websites, applications, or services. It basically assures that internet service providers (ISPs) handle all internet data equally and refrain from engaging in actions that can result in the creation of fast lanes or slow lanes for certain kinds of content or traffic.
The net neutrality plan noticed some modifications in the US. Some net neutrality regulations were scaled back in 2017, giving ISPs more latitude in how they ran their networks. The prospect for internet “fast lanes” and the filtering or blocking of particular content were raised as a result of this significant change.
The year was 2021, and the plot had a fresh turn. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of the United States was thinking of reintroducing net neutrality guidelines. These guidelines, according to supporters, were essential to preserving an open internet. The decision was still up in the air, and it was a contentious subject in American politics.
The key features and concepts of net neutrality:
- Net neutrality calls for the equal treatment of all internet traffic, regardless of its origin, destination, or content. This means that specific websites or services shouldn’t be blocked, slowed down, or given priority over others by ISPs.
- ISPs shouldn’t discriminate against any particular services or content categories. This implies that they shouldn’t prioritise their own services or those of their business partners over rival services. A video streaming service that competes with an ISP’s own streaming platform, for instance, shouldn’t be slowed down.
- According to net neutrality, ISPs must run their networks in a transparent manner. In order for customers to choose their internet service wisely, they should make their network management procedures available.
- Internet service providers (ISPs) shouldn’t be permitted to set up “fast lanes” or provide paid prioritisation services where some content providers pay extra money to have their content delivered more quickly. This would unfairly benefit well-funded enterprises at the expense of startups and smaller companies.
- Net neutrality is frequently considered as encouraging competitiveness and innovation on the internet. By doing this, it ensures that established players do not unfairly advantage emerging and innovative online businesses.
Net Neutrality’s effects in Malaysia
Net neutrality rules would have an effect on how internet service providers (ISPs) operate in Malaysia if they were implemented. ISPs would need to treat all internet traffic fairly, not favouring any particular websites or services over others.
Net neutrality would guarantee that all online material, regardless of source, is accessible to Malaysian internet users on an equal and unrestricted basis. ISPs would not be able to restrict or ban access to particular websites or services as a result.
In the internet field, net neutrality can encourage competition and innovation. As they wouldn’t have to worry about being hurt by the advantages provided to larger corporations, startups and smaller enterprises would have a fair playing field to compete with established players.
The protection of consumer rights is frequently associated with net neutrality. It guarantees that customers get the internet access they pay for and have the freedom to use it anyway they see fit.
Experts argue that net neutrality laws may have an impact on the amount of money ISPs spend on broadband infrastructure. Net neutrality supporters think it encourages ISPs to spend money on improving the general network capacity and quality rather than developing paid prioritisation systems.
Chair of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission Jessica Rosenworcel said on Tuesday that she will act quickly to restore important net neutrality principles that had been suspended under the administration of former president Donald Trump.
On October 19, Rosenworcel is requesting that her colleagues vote in favour of the proposal to essentially reinstate the open internet policies that were implemented in 2015 by the administration of then-President Barack Obama.
The action was taken after Democrats won a majority on Monday at the five-member FCC for the first time since President Joe Biden’s appointment in January 2021.
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