Advocating for Net Neutrality (Part 3 of 3)

(Also known as: Gone Evil)

OK, I told you I may be able to tell you what’s up Google and Verizon’s sleeves, but I can’t really tell you that, I can only tell you what I see and what it can mean for you, the consumer.

If the FCC decides to make Google and Verizon’s proposed policy a reality, then it will soon be a completely controlled Internet, not by the government, but by large corporations. It certainly seems like a slow death to net neutrality.

Why should you be so concerned? Well, it was your taxes that developed the Internet in the first place. With the help of the military after scientists envisioned a global network, the U.S. had its first public Internet access in the 80s. The military developed the Internet as a free and ever connecting, continuous Web, one that wasn’t bound by companies like Google or Verizon. It belongs to the public, and although we may need regulations to keep consumers safe, it doesn’t belong to companies with deep pockets.

Your voice in the matter should be heard. Start by letting Google know how you feel by signing a petition, or writing to the FCC or even your congressperson. Government officials even spoke out against the proposal this week and are asking the FCC to act to ensure net neutrality, make them hear you too. Internet advocates everywhere are shouting their dismay. Meanwhile, we can hope for the FCC to do what they were brought to do, protect us as consumers.

As I sit here pondering net neutrality and Google’s famous slogan, “Do no evil,” I will be keeping watch as this fiasco continues to unfold. They know now that the loopholes and fancy wordage in a document cannot fool the well-informed consumer, so let’s keep fighting them. When all is said and done, I hope I can keep my Google account.