Facebook, Google and Netflix Support Net Neutrality

Facebook, Google, Netflix and 1000 small businesses all speak out against the proposed abolition of Net Neutrality

Net Neutrality, if this issue doesn’t worry you, it should. Following protective measures introduced during the Obama presidency, the FCC has since been trying very hard to overturn them.

Earlier this year, the FCC proposed the removal of the Net Neutrality regulations. As part of this proposal, they openly invited the public to make their thoughts known. With over 22 million responses it was pretty clear that the vast majority were not in favor of the removal. Some of which included trolling the FCC with rick-rolls.

Despite all of this supposed public consultation, the FCC formally announced this week their plans to officially overturn the regulations. This with the likely intention of burying it in the holiday news. In addition, a December 14th decision date by the FCC gives opposition little time to rally.

Net Neutrality guarantees that your speeds will not be determined by your usage. The proposes changes wish to break the internet up into piecemeal parts. This, with the hope of implementing premium prices for top-speed access to some services. Therefore, accessing Facebook or gaming at top speeds may come as an upgrade if you want top speed.

Big and small companies speak out!

In a report via the BBC, some major companies have spoken out against the abolition. Facebook, Google, and Netflix have already openly declared themselves against it. In addition, 1000 smaller companies and even the Cards Against Humanity creators have also thrown their support for it.

Facebook has said: “We are disappointed that the proposal announced this week by the FCC fails to maintain the strong net neutrality protections that will ensure the internet remains open for everyone. We will work with all stakeholders committed to this principle.”

Netflix has also posted a Twitter post saying: “This current draft order hasn’t been officially voted. So we’re lodging our opposition publicly and loudly now.”

With over 1000 small business in American also signing an open letter to the FCC in addition to the above, such support will be needed to protect our internet.

This will not have a direct impact in the UK and Europe. I do, however, fear that where America leads, the world will follow.

What do you think? Will such support help keep Net Neutrality? Will the FCC just ignore it? – Let us know in the comments!