Let's talk about net neutrality, guise.

I don't know a much about government, law-making, or politics, so take everything I say with a grain of salt. (I should let you know now that I hate that expression.)

Earlier today, the FCC approved new net neutrality regulations "designed to prevent large telecommunications companies from squashing competitors." My initial reaction to the headlines were "YAY NET NEUTRALITY," because the media makes it sound like a total party, man. All talking about how it's a measure for the rights of the little people posting content on the internet.

Corporations and groups of people have banded together to support net neutrality and what it represents. Everyone loves the idea of a free and open web. A medium in which one can express one's speech, creativity, talents, and nonsense. Net neutrality would mean that no ISPs are allowed to charge users to access certain websites and services, while making other lesser known websites slower or inaccessible. A lack of net neutrality would allow for a tiered internet in which one would have to pay extra to access other content (or websites), kind of like today's cable television models.

When the FCC voted for net neutrality today, it led us a step closer to the ideal model for a free and open web. But let's keep in mind this is just as much a victory as it is a loss. While I'm glad the government is making rules in regards to the equality of access to information online, the internet should stay free and open as it (sorta) is now. This law can mean more government control of online content in the future. If enough people that actually know how the internet works are making these laws and regulations, it can turn out to be a positive shift. For now, I really don't want large corporations to fuck with my internet experience. Let the trolls troll and the amateur content creators spread their work.

At this point, I don't know much about the FCC's regulations. It may have been no big deal at all. Or could have been something huge. Once I get around to it, I'll write a follow-up. Just wanted to get the topic going. What do you guys think about net neutrality?