Net Neutrality

A topic of heated debate for some, while just an obscure term to others; the issue of net neutrality is now beginning to make it's way onto the minds of internet users. What does this mean for the average web surfer? Some say it will be a tragedy, though others claim it will be helpful. I may not be as adamant as many others, but I believe that it will do no good for the internet. The internet has always been a place of freedom and equality. All people have the chance to view and share whatever they so feel like doing without it being censored or controlled. Although it may not be completed censorship, the option for an ISP to even just degrade a web site due to a business relationship with another is just preposterous. Others argue that in some cases, especially dealing with video, that this will actually be helpful, allowing popular sites like http://www.youtube.com/ to have a faster connection speed. This may be true, but what about the smaller companies and individuals who use the internet now due to it's freedom and ease of use. ISP's need to remember that the internet was created with the intent that content could be shared and accessed by all; unlike television, which requires money and connections to make your way onto.

While I may be against ISPs interferring with internet access in general, the recent censoring of Eddie Veder's anti-President Bush comments are a seperate issue in my opinion. From the information I have, it seems that AT&T muted the anti-Bush lyrics on their http://www.attblueroom.com/. I do not think they should have censored this, but this doesnt not relate to net neutrality. AT&T's censorship occured on a website owned and operated by themselves, and therefore they have the right to choose what to do with their content. Now if AT&T had ensured the anyone using their ISP did not hear these lyrics, regardless of the website, then net neutrality could be discussed.