Impending vote for freedom of internet

Federal Communications Commission to vote on net neutrality tomorrow

Everyone+should+have+the+right+to+use+the+internet+for+their+own+benefit+-+how+it+was+first+intended+to+be+used.%E2%80%9D+Artwork+by+Madison+Ward.

“Everyone should have the right to use the internet for their own benefit – how it was first intended to be used.” Artwork by Madison Ward.

One of the most anxious-waiting votes to repeal net neutrality will occur tomorrow, Dec. 14. The Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) plans to strip the protection of fines net neutrality currently provides.

Net neutrality mandates internet providers to allow free access to websites regardless of the source. Unlike the United States, there are countries like Portugal that don’t have net neutrality and are forced to pay extra packaging fees to access internet.

“Net neutrality is a reason why we can use internet without having to worry to pay extra fees,” junior Tra Tymony said.

Many people wouldn’t be able to afford such addons for more internet access if net neutrality was taken away, leaving teachers and students having to pay extra to do their assignments.

“Less fortunate students wouldn’t be able to do extra research at home,” junior Antwone Barber said. “It will be a hassle trying to find items for a project [without internet].”

Although the vote to take net neutrality away isn’t until tomorrow, people worry about the consequences of it disappearing for good.

“[Taking it away] limits your view and perspective,” physics teacher Stephanie Driscole said. “By limiting this, it will be another way of social casting.”

Not only will students and teachers suffer, but corporate websites will also be hurt by lack of activity due to paywalls blocking people from accessing their sites.

“The FCC [claims] it will help smaller companies grow in funds,” Tymony said. “When it actually does the opposite and bigger companies such as Verizon and Comcast are already planning to add paywalls to apps and certain TV channels.”

Regardless of the protection students could gain, they would lose their basic rights of freedom within the internet.

“It’s almost infringing on a right,” Barber said. “Because everyone should have the right to use the internet for their own benefit – how it was first intended to be used.”