Will the Repeal of Net Neutrality Force People to Read More Printed Books?

Thanks for the A2A, Garrett. First, let's clarify a few points about net neutrality and the potential impact on internet usage habits.

What is Net Neutrality?

Net neutrality, often misunderstood as a law or regulation, is in fact a principle that advocates for the equal treatment of all internet traffic. According to the Google Search definition:

the principle that Internet service providers should enable access to all content and applications regardless of the source and without favoring or blocking particular products or websites.

This principle ensures that no single entity, such as an internet service provider (ISP), can prioritize or hinder certain types of internet traffic.

The 2015 FCC Regulations and Their Impact

The 2015 FCC regulations that some argue repealed net neutrality were not the first to establish the principle of equal internet access. Net neutrality existed since the creation of the internet from ARPANET, which inherently supported equal access to information and communication.

The 2015 regulations did not eliminate net neutrality; rather, they sought to enforce it more rigorously. These regulations aimed to prevent ISPs from creating fast lanes for websites that pay for prioritization, known as paid prioritization. This could have led to a situation where certain internet services enjoyed faster and more reliable access than others.

Does Repealing the Regulations Mean the End of Net Neutrality?

The removal of these 2015 regulations did not end net neutrality. Instead, it created a regulatory environment that has since been challenged and upheld in court. Moreover, net neutrality is still protected by numerous federal laws and FCC and FTC regulations. Even if an ISP were to attempt to violate these principles, they would face significant consequences, such as public backlash, fines, and the loss of customers.

Are People Really Going to Go Back to Reading Printed Books?

While some argue that the repeal of net neutrality could lead to a societal shift back to reading printed books, there are several reasons why this is unlikely:

Public Awareness and Outcry: Any significant move to curtail net neutrality would likely result in massive public outcry. This would trigger swift action from Congress, the FTC, and the FCC to reinstate protective regulations. Monopoly Concerns: Large ISPs benefit from the regulations because they increase costs and stifle competition. Smaller ISPs that cannot afford these additional expenses are forced out of business. This could lead to more choices for consumers, not fewer, as some competitors survive. Consumer Behavior: Despite the real fear of digital addiction, consumers are more likely to adapt and demand fair internet practices rather than give up the convenience and variety of the internet.

Current State of Net Neutrality

Net neutrality is alive and well. There is substantial legal support and regulatory framework to ensure that the internet remains a level playing field. Furthermore, the repeal of the 2015 regulations has not led to widespread violations of net neutrality principles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the repeal of the 2015 net neutrality regulations generated concern, the principles of net neutrality have remained intact and are protected by multiple layers of legal and regulatory oversight. The fear of a digital dystopia where people abandon online activities for printed books is overblown. The internet, as a vital platform for communication and information, will continue to evolve in ways that benefit all users.