The Impending Demise of Net Neutrality

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“The Impending Demise of Net Neutrality” by Elliot D. Cohen In “The Impending Demise of Net Neutrality,” the author, Elliot D. Cohen argues that the current system of American internet usage threatens to ruin the freedom of information among individuals. He examines the historical background of net neutrality and significant court cases related to it. However, his article focuses more on inciting fear among individuals than giving solid evidence to support his arguments. He appears afraid of the private corporations who offer internet; however, at the same time, he fears the government. At times, his rhetoric borders on conspiracy theories. Despite its growth, all Americans still do not have access to the internet. The internet allows individuals to communicate and exchange information and ideas worldwide. Its autonomous use should be encouraged. However, the internet runs through internet service providers (ISPs). ISPs may use cable or dial-up to provide service. Corporations tend to own the large ISPs; as with all services, the ISPs face regulation from the government. Often, these regulations evolve from the decisions of courts. Net neutrality refers to the ideal that ISPs and governments should treat all data equally. Information deserves a chance to spread; corporations and governments should not slow or halt this. Net neutrality suggests that ISPs and the government should not charge at different tiers for different types of information. Proponents of net neutrality argue that the large corporations seek to limit the speed of some information. By slowing some information transfer, while increasing the speed of other transfers, corporations and government may control what information spreads. Cohen correctly states that the freedom on information is at stake. Net neutrality does decide if anyone possessing legal information can

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