Why does the ocean have waves? Waves are most commonly caused by wind. When a question cannot be answered, then Google is the go-to source for information. After googling information, a site is selected. If it does not have satisfactory information, another website is selected and then an another just to double-check the information. Imagine a world where the satisfying second and third websites are not accessible because it is not paid for or the pages run very slowly because the extended plan does not cover these websites. But the unsatisfying first website loads perfectly. Currently, the internet is free for anyone to use because net neutrality ensures it. Currently, the internet is free but the Federal Communications Commission stands in the way.

Net neutrality prevents internet companies from slowing down your internet on certain websites. Not only could companies slow down websites, but companies could charge extra for websites and apps like Netflix. This could lead to companies slowing down sites they politically or competitively disagree with. Hypothetically, if a company was disturbed by the controversial accusations of Russian interference with the elections, they could hide articles for or against the topic. Without being able to read both sides of a story, the public will be unaware of current affairs within the country. As history has shown, when the public is not educated, then the public is easily manipulated.

On December 14, 2017, the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) plans to end net neutrality. The chief of the FCC’S, Ajit Pai, wrote on Twitter stating, “Today, I’m proposing to repeal the heavy-handed Internet regulations imposed by Obama Administration and to return to the light-touch framework under which the Internet developed and thrived before 2015.”  The pro-repeal side believes that the repeal would allow for the consumer to have a choice on slowing down websites they do not use. With the extra fees, the internet providers would be able to lower rates because of the extra money they are receiving. With the extra money from the additional charges, the big companies could potentially pay their workers more or hire more. Although it is unknown which companies are going to use the new freedom granted by the repeal, companies like Comcast and Charter claimed that they will uphold net neutrality.

If the net neutrality is repealed, internet companies would most likely make note of their most popular sites used and charge an additional fee for using it. Websites like Udemy, Khan Academy or even Wikipedia could be some of the first sites to require a fee. Excessive costs could potentially threaten poorer areas like Mississippi homes, small school districts and rural public establishments like libraries, who can not afford to have unlimited website usage. Unlimited website usage allows for people to ask questions, get informed of the world policies or look deeply into a topic. A world of information is at the people’s fingertips. This impartial force makes it accessible to anyone who asks.

Net neutrality should not be repealed because it is not in the best interest of the public. It could potentially benefit the people working for the internet companies. However, it does not benefit the working man who can not allows afford to pay for everything.