What is network neutrality and why is it such a big deal? Network neutrality, aka net neutrality, is a fuzzy sounding concept that is being embraced and promulgated by the Free Culture movement. You know the Free Culture movement, those guys and gals that believe that more and more things in life should be free, such as software and the ability to download music or movies without compensating the artist. Net neutrality is generally defined as a system that allows information on the Internet to move freely without regard to content, destination or source. In other words, every Internet service provider (ISP) would provide everything it makes available on the Internet without making any determination that one type of content is either more important or more expensive that any other content. The truth is that net neutrality is government regulation of the Internet.
Why is Net neutrality bad? Consider this: any government interference (regulation) of the Internet will require the requisite bureaucracy. And, we all know that government bureaucracies are not free, they cost money, lots of money. Who pays for that? Not some fairy godmother who showers the government with money. It is the American taxpayer. Once a bureaucracy is created it naturally expands, not contracts. Who pays for that? See fairy godmother/taxpayer comment above. Net neutrality also weakens Intellectual Property protections. If an ISP is required to allow all traffic to flow, that will include the illegal uploading and downloading of music, movies, books or any other intellectual property. This would be a serious blow to the protection of intellectual property.

This entry was posted on Monday, July 14th, 2008 at 3:55 pm and is filed under Politics .