Obama Administration Backs Off Net Neutrality
The Internet has now been around for approximately two decades and serves as a useful tool for millions of users throughout the world. We use the Internet to conduct business, communicate and acquire news. Our phones are even connected to the Internet and in some countries, like China, the majority of Internet users access the Internet via their ‘smart phones.’
While the Internet has developed as an essential tool, it is also used for more nefarious purposes. Individuals and governments are able to take advantage of our networked society to steal intellectual property and conduct damaging attacks against unsuspecting victims.
Last week, search engine giant Google announced that it was considering withdrawing from the Chinese market following a cyber attack. The dispute has delayed the roll out of the Android, Google’s smart phone, in the Chinese market.
The Android, like the iPhone, has a common apps store that allows users to develop and share apps. However, the Android does not require approval by staff prior to the new app being available for download, making wider distribution possible.
Google’s approach to content and sharing is in direct conflict with the ideas of some large scale Internet giants. Rupert Murdoch, head of News Corporation, has threatened recently to move all content to a ‘pay-to-play’ format, in which users must pay subscriptions to read content.
Additionally, the Obama administration appears to be backing away from its earlier push for net neutrality, according to Larry Downes, author of The Laws of Disruption: Harnessing the New Forces that Govern Life and Business in the Digital Age. Late last week, the Federal Communications Commission closed its comments section following a 60 day review of six proposed net neutrality rules. In the final day, close to 4,000 comments were submitted.
The FCC is currently conducting a review into both sides of the net neutrality debate. The results of the review will be eagerly and critically viewed by Internet users and providers. While content providers are often reticent to support net neutrality, companies like Google promote it vigorously.
As we look forward into the new decade, the Internet will clearly continue to play a central role in our lives. The results of the struggle between net neutrality proponents and opponents will determine the future of the Internet, though the matter is unlikely to be settled quickly. Any rules that are implemented will likely be challenged in court.
Ultimately, the judiciary system will seemingly determine the future of the Internet.
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