What is net neutrality? Why does it matter?
Net neutrality is the principle that Internet providers like Comcast & Verizon should not control what we see and do online. In 2015, startups, Internet freedom groups, and 3.7 million commenters won strong net neutrality rules from the US Federal Communication Commission (FCC). The rules prohibit Internet providers from blocking, throttling, and paid prioritization—”fast lanes” for sites that pay, and slow lanes for everyone else.
Click HERE for more information on how you can ACTUALLY make a difference.
Here is some more information, which you can find on a Lehigh Valley Facebook Event championing the cause:
The FCC has introduced a plan that completely repeals net neutrality right before Thanksgiving.
Basically Net Neutrality prohibits Internet Service Providers (ISP) from “speeding up, slowing down or blocking any content, applications of websites you want to use”.
Without Net Neutrality, ISP’s will be able to interfere with your internet services, blocking or charging for some websites and other social media platforms, gaming or video services.
Imagine having to pay a subscription price to use Netflix? Or Facebook? Or to play video games online?
That is exactly what will happen if the FCC repeals net neutrality.
Not only that, but the repeal of net neutrality is a direct violation of our freedoms to information. Social media and the Internet has become the new frontier in easy access to information for citizens to rally together and to inform themselves. This is a direct attack on democracy, freedom of information and citizen participation in politics. Without the ability and access to inform ourselves, it will be much harder for people to unite, share information with one another and rally together for grassroots causes.
From the ACLU: If the Trump FCC has its way, this open internet — and the “network neutrality” principles that sustain it — could be a thing of the past.
* The quest for profits and corporate disfavor of controversial viewpoints could change both what you can see on the internet and the quality of your connection.
* The incentive to monitor what you do online in order to play favorites means even more consumer privacy invasions piled on top of the NSA’s prying eyes.
* This will severely cripple activism. Worldwide.
Here are some avenues that you can do in your individual power to fight back against the FCC:
1. Call your representatives in Congress and demand they introduce a bipartisan bill to save net neutrality. Don’t have their number? Simply call the Capitol switchboard: (202) 224-3121.
2. Call, email or mail Ajit Pai, Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission.
Federal Communications Commission
Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau
Consumer Inquiries and Complaints Division
445 12th Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20554
Attn: Ajit Pai, Chairman
Email: Ajit.Pai@fcc.gov
(202) 418 2000
3. Post about this event on social media and urge everyone in your post to attend. It’s public and visible to everyone.
4. Sign the White House petition to save net neutrality: https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/do-not-repeal-net-neutrality
5. Join the event and Invite everyone you can to attend. Simply click the “share” button, then “invite friends.” It’s easy. Highly recommend inviting groups like “close friends” or people from your area. It adds more people faster.
If you are still unclear on this issue here’s a link that clearly describes what the repeal of net neutrality will do and what is at stake. https://www.aclu.org/issues/free-speech/internet-speech/what-net-neutrality
Save the internet! Protect net neutrality!
SOURCE: SAVE THE INTERNET: Protect Net Neutrality!
It’s not joke. Get on it.