Though it may seem complicated, the core concept at the heart of net neutrality is actually very simple. Net neutrality is the idea that all Internet Service Providers should enable access to ALL content and applications on the Web equally. Regardless of its source and without favouring (or penalising) any site or service.
The sudden focus comes as the United States has officially moved to repeal net neutrality, an action that could have major implications around the world – including in Australia – moving forward.
The Argument Against Net Neutrality
Those in favour of the repeal argue that, while it may have been created with the best of intentions, it actually significantly impedes innovation. They argue that net neutrality ultimately restrained broadband providers from both experimenting with new business models and investing in new technology. Especially with the FCC having significant control over their businesses. This made it far more difficult (and expensive) to expand networks.
It’s also important to note that many Internet Service Providers have publicly pledged that they won’t block or throttle specific sites even when the rules are officially repealed, so “why not just get it over with.”
Those in Favour of Net Neutrality
Those against the repeal fear that ISPs will speed up or slow down content based on what is best for them. Under net neutrality, ISPs were forbidden from throttling competing services. For example, if an ISP had their own streaming service they couldn’t throttle a competitor such as Netflix to make their own service more appealing.
Likewise, many fear that Internet providers will start to sell Internet access in bundles. Similar to the way they already do cable television packages. This would make Internet access more expensive, making it an upper class only product. Equally controversial is the price for priority treatment. A cost that could prove insurmountable for small companies and startups in particular. This alone would harm innovation, not help it.
While it’s certainly true that ISPs have promised to not start favouring sites, many experts agree that they are likely to “drop these self-imposed restrictions” when people stop paying attention to the debate. This, it’s safe to say, would be cause for alarm.
So Where Does Australia Fall Into This?
It’s true that Australia doesn’t have any net neutrality laws, but we do have incredibly strong laws to protect consumers. In a lot of ways, the neutrality laws in America set the precedent for ISP behaviour in Australia. With net neutrality being repealed in the US, there is a mounting fear that Aussie operators will follow suit without much standing in their way.
The changes in the US already have the potential to impact Australian businesses operating internationally. These businesses have a reliance on hosting and other services from providers in the US. From that perspective, there is a definite flow on effect at play. Australian businesses also have the potential to be barred from American audiences if they get blocked by an ISP in the US. Australian-based startups may not be able to afford the massive costs of being available on American ISPs. Those that do “pay to play” will see increased operating costs from the services that they have to pay ISPs for. This will almost certainly get passed down to consumers around the world.
LiveTribe: Because Oftentimes, Change Starts Small
Regardless of which side of this issue you come down on, its very clear that the discussion about net neutrality is more than worth having. We are on the precipice of a massive change in terms of how we think about and use the Internet all over the world. It’s safe to say that countless people will be watching how this battle in the US plays out very closely moving forward. So, join in the discussion today. Become a Changemaker.
