Net neutrality is the idea that internet providers must not treat websites differently. All websites, irrespective of their content, equipment, or location must be treated with the same priority and speed. For net neutrality’s proponents, it is essential for preserving the internet’s commitment to information sharing and the establishment of a level playing field for all participants, but what are the pros and cons of net neutrality?
Net neutrality is good
Net neutrality prevents internet providers from becoming the gatekeepers of competition, information, and morality in the digital space.
Net neutrality promotes the exchange of information
The internet was originally built as an information exchange. Net neutrality promotes the exchange of information, thereby protecting the internet's core function.
Net neutrality helps the internet grow by being a launching pad for new web services
Net neutrality spurs innovation which helps the internet expand. If only a few established domains and services are favored by major internet providers, then it becomes very hard for emerging startups to become recognized and popular among the consumer base.
Net neutrality protects service quality for lesser known sites
Without net neutrality, we would be forced to endure sub-par internet service quality when visiting certain sites. If only a few well-established domains load at faster speeds, then only content from those sites is readily available. This lowers the overall quality of information and resources available on the internet.
Net neutrality regulation hinders innovation and development in our internet products, preventing the emergence of more effective practices and more practical business models.
Net neutrality raises the cost of internet for consumers
Net neutrality limits internet providers to a user-based revenue model.
Net neutrality reduces the quality of service by allowing low-quality sites to succeed
Net neutrality results in a lower-quality service for all users. Some domains and web-services have earned a higher reputation because of the quality of content they provide. It is only fair to ensure that such websites are more readily available to consumers who prefer them.
