Candidate Calculator 2008 Election
Internet Neutrality
Summary
Internet neutrality is the concept that Internet users should have equal access to all legal websites and web applications. Therefore, Internet service providers, the companies that users pay a monthly fee to for Internet service, should not restrict in any form which websites users access, such as through outright blocking of websites or by slowing down loading of certain websites. Internet Service Providers need to transfer data on a first-come-first-serve basis without preferences.
Yes: Support Internet Neutrality
The Internet promotes economic growth, innovation, democratic principles and free speech because of Internet neutrality, which guarantees that users have non-discriminatory access to websites and Internet applications. However, large Internet service providers, primarily cable and telephone companies, want to be gatekeepers of Internet content. They want the power to selectively apply slower access to or outright block websites, a power they will certainly use against their competition. It would be as if your phone company blocked or interfered with incoming phone calls from a rival phone company. They also want to charge websites a fee for quick Internet access, which means that large companies that can afford the fees will monopolize Internet access, and all other websites will be squeezed out. Internet service providers should not give preferences to certain data or websites, or restrict or slow down access to other forms of data or websites.
Government regulation is needed to prevent Internet service providers from manipulating Internet service to their benefit at the detriment of consumers, innovation and free speech.
You support this or similar arguments.
No: Against Internet Neutrality
True Internet neutrality means no government regulation of Internet service providers. Let the free market determine how Internet service providers offer Internet service to consumers. If neutrality becomes government-regulated—well, in effect it does not exist. This "neutrality" will in itself become an impediment to economic growth, innovation, democratic principles and free speech. Countries with true Internet competition, such as most Western European countries, do not have net neutrality legislation or a net neutrality problem. What they do have are higher speed Internet access, and wider Internet availability at lower prices than the United States. Furthermore, for the sake of argument assume that Internet neutrality laws are enacted. Don't be naive; big business will have a huge say in shaping this "neutrality" for its benefit. Don’t fix what ain’t broke. The Internet in the United States is already neutral—keep it that way.
You support this or similar arguments.
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Additional Information
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