Net Neutrality Pros and Cons

Should we support Net Neutrality?

Net Neutrality is the principle that says all information flowing across the Internet should be treated equally. But with more people streaming data-rich video and playing online games, the Internet faces congestion concerns. Should carriers be able to sell multi-tiered access to heavy users? Should sites that generate massive traffic - like Google and Yahoo! - pay extra fees? The U.S. Government is examining Net Neutrality and its financial, legal and social implications. Do we need federal intervention to ensure fairness, or is this an issue for the market to work out?

Confused about Net Neutrality?

Some people argue it is necessary for continued innovation on the Internet, and point to Comcast's bandwidth metering as a sign of things to come.

Others claim hat it is unnecessary regulation that will create unintended consequences in its wake.

Pros and Cons of Internet Regulation

Internet has been an open network, which works on the principle of net neutrality, whether or not it should be regulated like the other mass media is a matter of debate. Today there exist several laws to curb issues like child pornography and many other illegal activities over the internet. However, there are people who believe that a complete regulation is needed for the world wide web. There are two sides to this argument. Here are some of the prominent pros and cons of Internet regulation: 

Pros of Internet Regulation

• can help curb the innumerable illegal activities over the net. 
• help prevent the large number of financial frauds, phishing, identity thefts, credit card thefts and many other illegal activities, which are possible because of the unregulated and unrestrained Internet activities. 
• Advocates of Net Neutrality is that big companies might one day force users to use one web service over another, effectively online equality and free speech. 

Although there exist several laws about child pornography or prosecutions of pedophiles, these issues are still rampant on the Internet. Internet regulation will also mean stringent policies over unjustified defamation. 

Cons of Internet Regulation 

• A complete takeover by the government or even other telecommunication giants can lead to violation of net neutrality and will dampen effectiveness of this medium. 
  
• It will be against net neutrality principle and will allow certain websites to limit their content to paid customers. 
  
• Tend to curb the freedom of expression, which is perhaps one of the most conspicuous factors that are instrumental in the success and popularity of this medium. 

For years the Internet has been an open source of information. A stringent regulation policy will mean limited access to the extensive source of information.