by Dan Moren
Cutting through net neutrality myths
Really excellent article by Kate Cox at Consumerist about the–let’s not beat around the bush–lies that ISPs and the FCC are telling about the dismantling of net neutrality:
Beyond that, though – Congress already did pass a law that gives the FCC a way to protect net neutrality both seamlessly and robustly. It’s called the Communications Act of 1934, which got a refresh with the Telecommunications Act of 1996, and internet service providers are currently regulated under the terms of Title II of that law.
Net neutrality is one of those subjects where I think a lot of people’s eyes tend to glaze over as soon as you mention the term. It’s become fraught with so much baggage, and frankly, that works in the favor of the companies trying to undo it (and the administration that supports them). In the end, it’s all about where power is localized: should it be the FCC with the power to smack down people abusing the system, or should ISPs be able to exert controls because they own the pipes? Think carefully before you answer: there’s a lot at stake here.