FCC Approves Net Neutrality Rules: INTERNET VICTORY!

Internet proponents are, without doubt, familiar with the raging debate of Net Neutrality. The fight (more-so: defense) of Internet Neutrality has been one that has raged on for months, only gaining more traction and aggression. However, an important victory has been made for pro-open internet activists.

To simply explain what Net Neutrality is; there are particular philosophies that make up the entirety of what "The Internet" should be. One of these ideals is that every part of the internet should be equally accessible and open as every other part. This keeps large corporations humble in their online endeavors. It is the driving force that gives the Internet its knowledge-based, rebellion-esque attitude that has made it the power tool it has become.

Now, read the bias. As a Generation Z child, the Internet is my (just as it is many others') home. The Internet was the base in which our curiosity roamed wild while we longed for answers, despite our supposed lack of intelligent questions. It was where we played, learned, and thrived. So, yes, I'm in absolute favor of preserving the sanctity of its open-charisma and endless teachings from the segregational plan Verizon and Comcast (as well as other ISPs [Internet Service Providers]) would implement.

With all that said, an overwhelming victory has been claimed in the name of Net Neutrality. The Federal Communications Commission has just approved its long-awaited network neutrality plan, which classifies Broadband Internet under Title II Classification. This reclassification makes Broadband a public utility, which bans corporate (paid) prioritization and the purposeful slowdown of "lawful content" (for comparison, telephone service is also a "public utility" under the same classification).

"It [the internet] is our printing press; it is our town square; it is our individual soap box and our shared platform for opportunity," said FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel during today's open commission meeting. "That is why open internet policies matter. That is why I support network neutrality."

This means that the Internet, under these rules, cannot be packaged and segregated (much like cable is).

Now, this is all very promising, but does this mean that the fight for Net Neutrality will end here? No. As of now, Verizon has already made vague threats on the subject of suing the FCC if it enforces (which it has) utility (or Title II) rules. Tom Wheeler, of the FCC, has stated that he expects more lawsuits.

No, the Internet will never be completely safe for it holds the vast and unlimited knowledge of the human race in its grasps. Knowledge is power, and like all power there are those who would watch the world burn to control it. We will have to continue to fight for the freedom of information, just as the human race always has; from Nazi Germany, to the Chilean coup d'etat in '73; from the Isshi Incident, to Tiananmen Square; from Socrates, to Martin Luther. 

The people will always have to fight for the freedom of understanding and knowledge. However, we will be following in the steps of many of the greatest men and women who have ever lived.

That's all I have to say today, but I'll be back Monday.

"The sad truth is that societies that demand whistleblowers be martyrs often find themselves without either. And always when it matters the most." -Edward Snowden