Net Neutrality. What is it and why should you care?

The Internet has long been a level playing field in terms of transferring the information it carries. Everyone has equal access to the Internet superhighway. Some (large telecommunications companies for the most part) are now trying to get the Internet regulated so that some information will pass through it unhindered or slowed by all the other information on the Internet superhighway. Think of it as a passing lane for those who can afford to drive on it. A couple of weeks ago, the Law Librarian Blog posted an explanation (made on The Daily Show) of how the Internet might work if the bill passed by the House in May and the one being considered by the Senate becomes law.

Net neutrality has become a major issue as the U.S. Congress considers new telecommunications laws. In May, the U.S. House passed its telecommunications bill, H.R. 5252 without net neutrality protections. The Senate is now considering the issue. On June 28, the Senate Commerce Committee passed its version of the telecom bill, S. 2686. An amendment to the bill that would have protected net neutrality failed on an 11-11 tie vote. This means that the Senate is now gearing up for a major fight about net neutrality.

If you want to learn more about this issue, see where your Senators stand on it, or participate in a grassroots effort to combat what some are calling a challenge to the First Amendment rights of all Americans who use the Internet, see savetheinternet.com.