Without network neutrality, cable and phone companies could stifle innovation.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
The nature of the Internet and the importance of net neutrality is that innovation can come from everyone.
Net Neutrality is what makes the Internet so great - and so vital for innovation and creativity.
Any 'network neutrality' rule should be designed to forbid phone or cable companies from controlling the Internet.
Evidence and economic theory suggests that control of the Internet by the phone and cable companies would lead to blocking of competing technologies.
A network neutrality rule could result in mere 'slaps on the wrist' or involve such expensive and difficult litigation procedures that no small company or consumer could ever bring a case.
Net neutrality is the principle forbidding huge telecommunications companies from treating users, websites, or apps differently - say, by letting some work better than others over their pipes.
If net neutrality goes away, it will fundamentally change everything about the Internet.
Net neutrality has been in place since the very beginning of the Internet.
'Network neutrality' is sometimes called 'Internet freedom' or 'Internet openness' and is a legal principle that would forbid cable and phone companies like AT&T, Verizon, and Comcast from blocking some websites or providing special priority to others.
Net neutrality sounds wonky and technical but is actually quite simple. It would keep the Internet as it has always been - cable and phone companies would remain mere gateways to all sites, rather than gatekeepers determining where users can go and what innovators can offer them.